Media Releases - 10 July 2022
Diabetes Victoria supports traditional place names
Announced today, in line with the start of NAIDOC Week, Diabetes Victoria CEO, Glen Noonan said,” Diabetes Victoria is taking another important step to recognise and support reconciliation by including place names in the organisation’s addresses.”
In line with the NAIDOC Week theme, Diabetes Victoria supports the work to continue to Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up! for systemic change.
Mr Noonan said, “There must be a genuine commitment by all of us to support and secure institutional, structural, collaborative and cooperative change.
“We’re making this change to include traditional place names across the organisation as it reflects our commitment and strategic priorities of access and equity, consumer support and empowerment.
“We've been able to implement the inclusion of traditional place names on the Diabetes Victoria addresses that are shared with our diabetes community.
“Our organisation has a long-standing partnership with VACCHO [the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation]. We've been working for several years in supporting those affected by, or at risk of, diabetes in the Aboriginal community through our educational sessions and developing resources with the community,” he said.
As part of implementing place names in addresses, Diabetes Victoria consulted with Elders from the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation to include place names respectfully and for support and guidance around how to use them appropriately.
Mr Noonan said, “Another motivator for us is to ensure our staff are aware of what lands they are working on, understand the importance and need for this practice, and are encouraged to take up further learnings.
“Our organisation was inspired to take this step by the terrific work of Gomeroi woman, Rachael McPhail whose successful campaign started with asking Australia Post to include a dedicated space for traditional names in addresses.
“We encourage other organisations to consult with appropriate land councils and include place names in their addresses,” he said.
Diabetes Victoria strives to reduce the impact of diabetes on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in Victoria.
Media enquiries: Annette Glenister – Media & External Relations Manager, 0400 772 722
