Walking with elders at Garrawarra

The Garrawarra Centre has marked a significant milestone with the launch of its new Walking with Elders program, an initiative designed to improve cultural safety, emotional wellbeing, patient experience and person-centred care for Aboriginal residents.

The Walking with Elders program embeds a community Elder within the care environment, recognising the vital role Elders play as teachers, mentors, leaders and custodians of cultural knowledge. Through storytelling, cultural guidance and lived experience, the program aims to strengthen residents' connection to culture, community and Country.

Uncle Bill has been appointed as Garrawarra's inaugural Elder in Residence. Uncle Bill will provide cultural support and create opportunities for learning, healing and reflection for residents, staff, families and visitors.

The program has been developed to address an identified gap in culturally safe care for Aboriginal residents, particularly Aboriginal men who have had limited access to culturally appropriate support around men's business, cultural identity and emotional wellbeing. While Aboriginal Health Liaison Officers continue to provide invaluable assistance, the Elder in Residence model offers an additional layer of ongoing cultural and therapeutic engagement.

A smoking ceremony was conducted across the entire Garrawarra property, the first ceremony of its kind at the centre. The ceremony acknowledged culture, respect and connection, while symbolically cleansing and preparing the site for the important journey ahead.

The initiative is also an example of innovation driven by compassion. It was supported through Kindlab, NSW Health's program that encourages staff, patients, consumers and carers to develop ideas that foster greater kindness in health care.

More than the launch of a new initiative, the Walking with Elders program represents a commitment to ensuring culture is visible, valued and respected, while strengthening cultural safety and connection for Aboriginal people receiving care at Garrawarra for years to come.

15 September 2026