THE community turned out for the Kapel Telkuna Open Day, touring the new facilities enjoying a barbecue lunch and making jewellery and other ornaments with native materials.
Service providers from around the community showed their support, with Ngwala Willumbong on the barbecue and offering coffees out the front, headspace bringing their games out and B&C Creatives leading the craft workshop.
Swan Hill District Health chief executive Peter Abraham said the space was very welcoming.
“The community engagement is unbelievable, and they are coming in and feeling at home,” he said.
The Kapel Telkuna team has fostered that feeling of homeliness in their space, with a relaxed energy and comfortable areas.
The family room is fitted with full couches, books and toys for kids, an indoor basketball hoop, an air hockey table and bright and welcoming art.
“It’s a comfortable space we can all come together, folks can come in at any time and relax,” Kapel Telkuna manager Charmain Anton said.
“I chose the rug in the family room because it’s called New Ground Still Home, and that’s like us – we’re in a new place but it’s still home.
“If families have to travel for surgery, the kids can relax and play, the parents can relax and have something to eat, and it can make that experience easier.
“Even if they’re not at hospital, folks can come in and chat if they’re feeling unwell and we aim to provide any kind of advocacy and referral they need if we can.”
The kitchen was a hubbub of activity with Iree Paul’s selection of baked goods made with native ingredients front and centre.
“We are going to have dieteticians come across from the hospital to do cooking classes in the kitchen,” Ms Anton said.
headspace Swan Hill manager Hayley Neuschafer said Kapel Telkuna’s facilities extends their ability to provide mental health services to people in a safe space.
“We are continually trying to bridge that relationship with First Nations young people and the community,” she said.
“We like to meet young people where they are at and help them feel more comfortable coming to us, so if Kapel Telkuna is an extension of their safe space then we will meet them here,” she said.
Kapel Telkuna is open to the community 8:30am to 5pm weekdays with no appointment required.
Call the Aboriginal Health Liaisons on 5033 9323, Charmain Anton on 5033 9868, or email the service at AHU@shdh.org.au.
