Welcome Baby to Country and Sprinkling Ceremony - celebrating Culture, Community and Connection

Today, Djurali Naba Aboriginal Midwifery and Postnatal Service hosted their second annual Welcome Baby to Country and Sprinkling Ceremony at The Sutherland Hospital on Dharawal Country. The sacred ceremony was held as part of the hospital’s 2025 NAIDOC Week celebrations.

Over 25 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families who birthed through the service over the past year, returned to celebrate their babies, Elders, staff, and Community.

The ceremony opened with a powerful Welcome to Country from Aunty Lola, followed by a smoking ceremony. Babies were marked with ochre and received a water blessing using water from the Woronora River honouring their connection to Dharawal Country.

Each family received a commemorative certificate and a beautifully braided headband for their baby. These special gifts were lovingly handmade by our Aboriginal staff at Sutherland Hospital during a recent Yarning Circle.

A cultural photo space was set up for families to capture the moment. The event also featured traditional dance, music and a morning tea full of yarns, laughter, and celebration.

The ceremony celebrates and reflects Djurali Naba’s commitment to culturally safe, Community-led care. It also represents the revival of ancient practices that ground our babies and their sense of identity and belonging from birth.

“It was a beautiful morning filled with culture, Community and connection”, said Djurali Naba Aboriginal Health Worker, Kate Squire. “Thank you to everyone who made the event so special. We are proud to walk alongside our families and honour culture from the very beginning.”

Published 9 July 2025.