In recognition of National Advance Care Planning Week and National Close the Gap Day next month, First Nations people are encouraged to gather, share a cuppa, and have important conversations about future health care—because, as the message says, "we need to know before you go".
Sorry Business Consultant and Managing Director for Ngiyani Wandabaa, Eliza Munro, is leading the way in ensuring First Nations communities have access to culturally sensitive resources for these vital discussions.
With an extensive background in Indigenous health, Ms Munro emphasised the importance of preparation.
"Being prepared and sharing wishes can ease the worries for family and friends if we get crook or for when that time comes," she said.
Ms Munro acknowledges that while Sad News, Sorry Business, and Advance Care Yarning can be challenging both culturally and emotionally, these conversations are essential.
The Gamilaroi woman is excited about the development of a new Advance Care Planning (ACP) resource which aims to initiate discussions respectfully and sensitively within communities—whether among family members or with health professionals, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous.
National Manager for Advance Care Planning Australia, Dr Catherine Joyce, is proud to partner with Ngiyani Wandabaa, the Centre for Palliative Care Resource and Education, and the Gwandalan National Palliative Care Project to make future health care planning more accessible for First Nations people.
"We're delighted to promote this practical resource through our national distribution networks," Dr Joyce said.
The innovative resource includes a teabag holder—designed to hold two tea bags—accompanied by a range of thoughtful questions to help guide discussions.
Questions such as 'Who would you want to speak for you if you couldn't speak for yourself?' encourage individuals to reflect on and document their wishes. A booklet is also provided to help record these decisions.
Manager of Community Programs at Proveda and former CEO of The Groundswell Project (now Proveda), Jessie Williams, brings years of experience in supporting individuals, organisations, and communities through the topics of dying and grief.
Ms Williams explains the First Nations-focused ACP resource is inspired by the original 'Dying to Talk' teabag holder, first developed by The Groundswell Project.
"Proveda and Dying to Know are proud to see this legacy offered for use in First Nations communities and warmly invite you to join us for morning tea to hear more about the 'We need to know before you go' resource," she said.
National Advance Care Planning Week will be held from 17–23 March, with National Close the Gap Day set to be held on Thursday 20 March.
For more information visit www.acpweek.org.au.
