By JESSE GRAHAM
RESIDENTS are being called on to mark the end of summer with a sporting day in Healesville, organised to raise awareness of Indigenous health services.
On Sunday 28 February, Eastern Health will run its annual Closing the Gap Family Sports Day at Healesville’s Don Road Sporting Complex.
The event, which is in its third year, will have Aboriginal sporting teams taking on Eastern Health staff in a football match and netball tournament.
Eastern Health’s Aboriginal hospital liaison officer Jo Voce said the event was created to raise awareness of Indigenous health, and services available in the community.
“Days such as this are crucial in breaking down cultural barriers,” she said.
“The event provides us with the opportunity to inform the local Aboriginal community about the broad range of services we have available in the eastern region.
“Family fun and sport are great ways to connect communities with each other, and it is terrific we can bring people together in the spirit of reconciliation.
This year’s event will feature an appearance by the Melbourne Vixens netball team, live music, a silent auction with Indigenous artists, face painting, a petting zoo and a jumping castle, among other attractions.
Ms Voce said Indigenous rapper Philly would be performing during half time at the event, and that information on health services would be available.
The Closing the Gap Family Sports Day will start at 11am and run until 3pm.
