Exchange of cultural gifts mark Mount Lawley handover
EMHS CE Joel Gurr, Aunty Trish, Aunty Neta and RPBG ED Ben Noteboom at the cultural ceremony at Mt Lawley Hospital.
01/09/2026
A significant cultural milestone has been marked at Mount Lawley Hospital (MLH) with a meaningful Message Stick ceremony bringing together executives from East Metropolitan Health Service (EMHS) and St John of God (SJG) Health Care, Aboriginal Elders, staff and consumer representatives.
Held late last month, the ceremony provided an opportunity to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which MLH stands and recognise the importance of Aboriginal culture, connection and communication.
Message Sticks hold deep cultural significance for Aboriginal peoples and have traditionally been used to communicate important messages, establish connections and signify the safe passage of people between communities.
The ceremony also marked an important exchange between EMHS and SJG Health Care, as Mt Lawley Hospital transitions into public hospital network.
As part of the ceremony, St John of God gifted a Message Stick to EMHS, which represented the passing on of knowledge, responsibility and custodianship as well as the ongoing relationship between the organisations.
The Message Stick featured beautiful artwork created by Aboriginal Elder Aunty Neta, who was among those present at the ceremony.
In recognition of the transition, EMHS chose to present St John of God Health Care with a Yandi.
The Yandi has traditionally been used by Aboriginal people to carry bush tucker, tools and ceremonial materials, and at times even babies. Beyond its practical purpose, it holds deep cultural significance as a symbol of care, connection and continuity.
EMHS Chief Executive Joel Gurr joined the Aboriginal Elders and representatives for the ceremony, which reflected EMHS’ commitment to strengthening relationships with Aboriginal people and communities and ensuring cultural respect is embedded in the future of Mt Lawley Hospital.
“This handover is also a recognition that while the organisation responsible for Mt Lawley Hospital is changing, the relationships that sit around this hospital, particularly its relationship with Aboriginal people and community, must continue and grow,” Joel said.
Held late last month, the ceremony provided an opportunity to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which MLH stands and recognise the importance of Aboriginal culture, connection and communication.
Message Sticks hold deep cultural significance for Aboriginal peoples and have traditionally been used to communicate important messages, establish connections and signify the safe passage of people between communities.
The ceremony also marked an important exchange between EMHS and SJG Health Care, as Mt Lawley Hospital transitions into public hospital network.
As part of the ceremony, St John of God gifted a Message Stick to EMHS, which represented the passing on of knowledge, responsibility and custodianship as well as the ongoing relationship between the organisations.
The Message Stick featured beautiful artwork created by Aboriginal Elder Aunty Neta, who was among those present at the ceremony.
In recognition of the transition, EMHS chose to present St John of God Health Care with a Yandi.
The Yandi has traditionally been used by Aboriginal people to carry bush tucker, tools and ceremonial materials, and at times even babies. Beyond its practical purpose, it holds deep cultural significance as a symbol of care, connection and continuity.
EMHS Chief Executive Joel Gurr joined the Aboriginal Elders and representatives for the ceremony, which reflected EMHS’ commitment to strengthening relationships with Aboriginal people and communities and ensuring cultural respect is embedded in the future of Mt Lawley Hospital.
“This handover is also a recognition that while the organisation responsible for Mt Lawley Hospital is changing, the relationships that sit around this hospital, particularly its relationship with Aboriginal people and community, must continue and grow,” Joel said.
Last Updated:
01/09/2026