“All staff and visitors are welcome to visit and use the yarning circle.”
The yarning circle is located next to the community mental health centre under the shade of an old jacaranda tree, and is managed by the NSLHD Aboriginal Health Service together with the Ryde Hospital executive team.
The privacy that the site offers is ideal for the nature of the yarning circle and will create opportunities for building respectful relationships in a culturally safe and welcoming environment.
The construction of the yarning circle is being undertaken by NPM Indigenous, a majority Indigenous owned company representing the Kamilaroi and Wiradjuri Nations. They place emphasis on constructing culturally inclusive environments that have a positive influence within the community.
The project at Ryde is the first of a series of yarning circles that will be established at Royal North Shore, Hornsby and Mona Vale hospitals.
The yarning circle at Ryde was due to launch during NAIDOC Week – 4-11 July – however due to COVID restrictions, will officially launch at a later date.