Team spirit was in the air when Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN) staff, consumers and special guests came together to award the 2024 CALHN Reconciliation Cup.

The Western Community Mental Health Team ‘Tangka Marnirninthi’ (Kaurna language meaning ‘getting a positive attitude’) took out the first-place award for their activities that focused on Reconciliation by sharing Aboriginal culture with their staff, consumers and with the wider community in Woodville. The team supported young participants to create culturally inspired artwork which is now displayed on stobie poles in the local area, encouraging community engagement, Aboriginal cultural representation, partnerships, and consumer wellbeing.

2023 Winners SA Dental ‘Team Kuma’ handed over the cup and honours to ‘Tangka Marnirninthi’ in a presentation and afternoon tea held at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. ‘Team Kuma’ also shared a video about the impact of the Cup in supporting CALHN’s Reconciliation Action Plan.

Second place was awarded to CALHN Social Work ‘Truth Tellers’, while third was shared between the Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Hub at the RAH ‘HUB Heroes’ and ‘Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre’.

The Reconciliation Cup aims to build upon CALHN’s vision for reconciliation. Teams comprising staff from CALHN and partnering health providers engage in meaningful health and wellbeing activities focused on reconciliation, that also inspire a healthy competitive and community spirit. These activities seek to inspire partnership between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal staff and consumers, while also highlighting important topics that can influence and support cultural awareness and sensitivity with Aboriginal patients.

Now in its second year, the 2024 Reconciliation Cup saw 15 teams registered with over 100 staff participating in events and activities.