What is Wilim Berrbang?
The name Wilim Berrbang, provided by the Wurundjeri Land Council, means “Place of Connection” in Woi wurrung language. Wilim Berrbang offers cultural support and assistance to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that attend Western Health, and aims to:
Ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are aware of, and have access to, all Western Health services
Guide and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to navigate the hospital setting
Ensure that Western Health is culturally sensitive, safe and welcoming to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
What do we do?
Wilim Berrbang provides support across a wide range of units and specialty areas, including:
Wilim Berrbang includes Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officers (AHLO’s) who can:
Provide emotional, social and cultural support to you and your family while you are an inpatient of the hospital
Support you with your rights and responsibilities
Help you to participate in decisions about your care
Provide information about hospital services
Attend appointments if you would like their support
Help with basic material aid e.g. emergency clothing, car parking costs
Help with referrals to Aboriginal and other community services
Help you prepare to go home
What is the Koori Maternity Service?
The Koori Maternity Service AHLO works alongside Western Health staff to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and their families attending maternity clinics (including Galinjera) through pregnancy, labour and birth and the first 8 weeks after baby is born.
What is the Galinjera Maternity Program?
Galinjera means “to come together and connect with love”. Galinjera is a dedicated service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families having a baby. The team consists of 4 midwives, 2 obstetricians and a social worker providing culturally safe services to you and your family.
Why will I be asked if I am of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin?
At Western Health, your identity is important to us. We ask every patient this question. By answering this question, you help us plan for the right services, so that we can provide the best possible patient care. If you choose not to answer the question, you will continue to be provided with the best quality health care available.
Who can I contact for more information?
Wilim Berrbang staff are available between 9.00am – 4.30pm Monday to Friday (not including public holidays). You can contact them on the following:
Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer (AHLO)
(03) 8345 0952
Koori Maternity Services and Galinjera AHLO
(03) 8345 0949
Manager of Aboriginal Health, Policy and Planning
(03) 8345 0951
Email: [email protected]
Western Health Staff please note: All inpatient referrals should come through EMR.
Western Health's Aboriginal Health Steering Committee meets quarterly and has representatives from key stakeholders as well as the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. The advice and recommendations that they provide are very important and help us make positive changes across Western Health services for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
Western Health acknowledges the Wurundjeri and Boon Wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation, the traditional custodians of the lands on which all Western Health sites stand. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and future.
Artwork (in banner): Delgaia by Annie Joy, (Gourmanjanyuk and Wergaia) 2018.
Delgaia means to be good and to be well (Wemba Wemba language).
