General News
20 September, 2024
MDHS’ free project to help First Nations women
First Nations women are encouraged to register by Monday for a free breast screen in October, with community-led initiative The Beautiful Shawl Project coming to the Maryborough District Health Service (MDHS).
The Beautiful Shawl Project is designed to be a culturally safe and empowering experience for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women getting breast screened, with a shawl provided during the screening and to take home as a gift.
The shawls are designed by local Aboriginal artists.
The project will be brought to Maryborough BreastScreen at the MDHS in partnership with BreastScreen Victoria and the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation on October 1 and 8.
Any First Nations women who attend will receive a shawl which features an artwork called “Dunguludja Mulana” (Strong Spirit) by proud Yorta Yorta, Wemba Wemba, Mutti Mutti and Wiradjuri artist Alkina Edwards, which represents the empowerment, resilience and strong spirits of women.
MDHS Aboriginal hospital liason officer Kymberley Williams is encouraging First Nations women over the age of 40 to get screened safely.
“Culturally safe breast screening is coming to Maryborough,” she said.
“We’re encouraging First Nations women aged 40 and over to get screened in a safe space.”
Fellow Aboriginal hospital liaison officer at MDHS, Tonya Fedel, urges community members to spread the word.
“Stay healthy for your family and your community,” she said.
“Tell your mothers, ‘sistas’ and Aunties to register.”
The Beautiful Shawl Project started in 2018, and more than 1100 breast screens have been conducted for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, with 29 Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, or Aboriginal-led services involved.
Any First Nations women wishing to register can do so by contacting Kymberley Williams on 5461-0427 or Kymberley.Williams@mdhs.vic.gov.au or Tonya Fedel on 5461-0188 or TFedel@mdhs.vic.gov.au by 1 pm on Monday, September 23