By Jed Lanyon
Indigenous health service HICSA celebrated its 10th anniversary on Thursday 30 January in which the organisation rebranded to Oonah Health and Community Services Aboriginal Corporation.
Celebrations were held at The Memo to look back on a decade of great work and achievements, while having a positive outlook for the future as Oonah.
CEO Anne Jenkins said, “I look forward to the continued growth and development of Oonah and working with our amazing team of staff, volunteers and partners as we strive to build a healthy, strong and skilled community in the outer east.
“Our patience will continue to be tested and we will most likely get knocked down, but we will keep getting up and trying again until our dreams are realised.”
First established in 2009, Oonah is a not-for-profit Aboriginal community health organisation. Oonah offers a range of culturally appropriate services that are designed to improve the health and well-being of the local aboriginal community.
The estimated 4000 strong Indigenous population residing in Healesville and surrounds is the highest for the eastern metropolitan region of Melbourne.
Oonah currently operates many programs in the Yarra Valley, such as the tucker bag program, which promotes food security and healthy cooking to over 170 community members each week.
Oonah volunteer Leanne, spoke about her three years working with the organisation.
“From the very first day I walked through the door at Oonah, I’ve never felt so welcomed,” she said.
“The staff here is amazing, they have taught me so much about aboriginal culture and I’m still learning. I cannot express my gratitude enough. I have made a lot of friends here at Oonah and they are all a big part of my life.
As part of Oonah’s celebrations, Ms Jenkins shared that the organisation would push forward with its plans to expand with a $10 million facility upgrade.
