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Aboriginal health

Aunty Rita recognised for dedication to Indigenous health and welfare

22 November 2021

SWSPHN’s external training consultant, Rita McKenzie, was named Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander NAIDOC Citizen of the Year at Blacktown City Council’s 2021 NAIDOC Awards ceremony on Friday, 29 October.

Aunty Rita, through her consultancy McKenzie Dreaming, has been supporting our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Group for almost a year and delivering Cultural Competency Training to staff.

Aunty Rita also appears in our new video campaign which features champions encouraging our community to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and to seek mental health support early.

Vaccination video

Mental health video

Blacktown City Council said:

“Rita was awarded Citizen of the Year for her unwavering dedication in the areas of Indigenous health and welfare.

Rita has long served as a key role model for Indigenous communities across Blacktown City and Western Sydney. 

She has devoted her career to improving the lives and outcomes of Indigenous people and in educating businesses and communities on indigenous cultures, beliefs, and traditions.

Rita has been committed to closing the gap through her role in leading the WentWest Aboriginal Health Team and advising doctors and allied health practitioners on Indigenous health issues.”

Congratulations Aunty Rita, your award is well-deserved!

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