27 July, 2022
Ceremony bridges gap
Clifton saw something a bit different last Thursday as the Clifton Medical Practice held a Welcome and Smoking Ceremony, bringing together the staff (including many new faces), First Nations people and the wider community.
Damon Anderson and his team from Nguluwa dhiyaan Aboriginal Arts performed the Welcome and Smoking Ceremony, which featured several dances backed by singing, didgeridoo and clapping sticks.
Mr Anderson explained his people’s ties to the land that have existed over tens of thousands of years.
For example, the Bunya Mountains were the home of an ancient type of parliament where tribes from southern Queensland and northern New South Wales would meet together.
He also explained how each tribe has a sacred animal or plant that could only could be used under certain conditions, which other tribes would respect.
The ceremony was tied in with NAIDOC week which was celebrated earlier in July.
The theme this year is Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!
The Gambuwal and Keinjan were recognised as the traditional custodians of the lands that are now Clifton.
Interim Practice Manager Anne-Marie Donovan was an essential part of the day coming together, as was new First Nations nurse Simone who helped with the dancers’ body paint.
Representatives from Queensland Health, Darling Downs Health and Darling Downs West Moreton Public Health Network were also present.
Local schools were in attendance including students from Clifton State High School and St Francis de Sales Primary School.
The ceremony was followed by a sausage sizzle then a flu and COVID vaccination clinic and registration for the Closing the Gap program.
The program aims to close the health and life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians within a generation.
New Clifton Community Health Services (CCHS) Executive Director, Operations, Wannapa Foytong introduced herself to the community, sharing her passion for indigenous health spurred by previous work in communities such as Alice Springs.
Ms Foytong said the ceremony was an opportunity to send a message.
“We want to listen to the community, partnering to serve the community better,” she said.
Ms Foytong said she has had a “very exciting” first few weeks in Clifton.
“The people are lovely - they’ve been very welcoming,” she said.
Ms Foytong is becoming quickly immersed in the Clifton community, living in a house in town courtesy of CCHS, only a short drive to and from work.
The lack of traffic lights is an added bonus.
She said she has been pleasantly surprised how committed the Clifton community is to CCHS.
“They put their heart and soul into wanting it to continue,” she said.
“I am honoured and privileged to be involved.”
Ms Foytong said the handover from Brad Jones, the outgoing General Manager of eight years, had been smooth.
She said Mr Jones had been graceful and she ‘absolutely” has big boots to fill in her new role.
