Aboriginal people in need of palliative care, as well as their carers, now have access to a new resource designed to support end-of-life care planning.
The Journey into Sorry Business booklet, co-developed by Murray PHN and and Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service (AWAHS), provides easy-to-read information that is tailored to the needs of Aboriginal communities living in North East Victoria, including Wiradjuri, Yorta Yorta, Waveroo, and Duduroa Countries.
To launch the booklet, Aboriginal Elders, community members, and local health service providers gathered in a yarning circle at AWAHS to discuss the importance of “taking care of business with mob.”
Photo at booklet launch (L-R) Fiona Bradbury - Chronic Disease Coordinator AWAHS, Vitor Rocha - Lead, Palliative Care Murray PHN and Denise Ezzy Chronic Disease Outreach Worker AWAHS
During the launch, Fiona Bradbury, Chronic Disease Coordinator at AWAHS, emphasised the key message of the resource: “Don’t wait until you’re old or sick to attend to your journey into sorry business; have your voice heard with what matters to you.”
The booklet is designed to help Aboriginal people share their wishes and preferences for end-of-life care through ‘sorry business’ – cultural practices and protocols associated with death. By offering guidance on how to engage in these important conversations, the resources encourage individuals to plan and ensure their voices are heard when it comes to their care and final journey.
'A Journey into Sorry Business' booklet cover
Murray PHN CEO Matt Jones highlighted the importance of the resource, stating “We value the importance of advance care planning and this resource has been developed to provide culturally appropriate, respectful and mindful information to encourage Aboriginal people in opening up conversations about their rights, wishes and how to plan ahead when circumstances change throughout their lives."
The resource is available as a hard copy at AWAHS. Alternatively, you can access a digital copy, available to download.
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