Alarna, Acting Senior Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellbeing and Aboriginal Liaison Officer Caitlin at the Palliative Care Week stall in the Welcome Hall of Canberra Hospital.
The patient’s family wishes to keep their identities private for the purpose of this publication.
The 2025 NAIDOC Week theme, "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy," celebrates not only the achievements of the past but the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, the vision of their communities, and the legacy of their ancestors.
We’re thankful to the granddaughter of a recent patient who wanted to share some words about her late Grandmother, Nan, who was supported during her final moments by the Palliative Care Pack that our generous donors help make available to those receiving palliative care.
About Nan
“Our Grandmother was proud, independent, and had a rare strength that carried her through even the hardest of times. She was a woman who valued the sentimental things in life, who gave without counting the cost - whether it was providing meals to neighbours, donating her time and skills to give back to the community through knitting, crochet, fundraising events, or simply being there - no matter what.
She was a woman of many talents - a cook who made everything from scratch, a seamstress who created outfits with care, a sentimental soul who treasured anything made by her family.
My grandmother was accepted by the Ngunnawal Community and was cared for over the last few decades by Winnunga. During her final year, the Aboriginal community took exceptional care of not only our grandmother but our families.
Our Grandmother was our rock, the woman who bonded us to our culture. Her strong presence will continue to guide our family, and we will forever be thankful to her.”
What kind of impact did the Palliative Care Pack have on Nan’s experience?
“The Palliative Care Pack meant absolutely everything to our grandmother, it gave her comfort. She could rest easy, surrounded by her culture. It gave her great joy and pride to share her journey, culture and the kindness given to her from the Aboriginal community.
The pack included a Blacklabel Dreaming zip Bag, beanie, medicine/toiletries pouch, pajamas and an Indigenous hooded blanket - she was literally wrapped in culture.
Our Grandmother often went without, so the cultural significance behind this pack made her heart full - she was beaming with pride. She slept with her blanket every single day until she passed, she wore her jammies with pride and found peace, love and kindness through not only what this pack gave to her, but what this pack signified to her.
This pack represented connection to culture, love, and community support. She felt loved and we are thankful she was given such a beautiful palliative care pack.”
Thanks to kind donors of CHF, packs like these recognise the significance of culture in healing and health care, and help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in carrying their legacy forward, no matter what their health journey looks like.
“Nan was supported by Aboriginal Liaison Officers, and we are incredibly grateful to Canberra Hospital Foundation who fund such wonderful cultural initiatives. These items and initiatives are invaluable to patients in our care.” says Alarna Moscaritolo, Acting Senior Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellbeing.
On behalf of the team at Canberra Hospital Foundation, thank you for supporting all people in our healthcare community.
By giving together, we can grow together.
