The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is proud to unveil a newly designed ceremonial gown for all RACGP members and accompanying sash for doctors and College members who identify as being of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander origin.
The project, led by the RACGP Council in partnership with the RACGP National Faculty of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heath, was a result of a successful convocation item at the 2010 RACGP Annual General Meeting.
Professor Claire Jackson, RACGP President, said unveiling the new ceremonial gown is symbolic of the great respect the College has for the traditional owners of the land.
“The RACGP National Faculty of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health enlisted Brisbane-based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creative agency, Gilimbaa, to develop artwork for the gown that acknowledged the traditional owners and healing practices of our traditional cultures prior to colonisation,” Professor Jackson said.
Associate Professor Brad Murphy, Chair of the RACGP National Faculty of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, said: “The new gown acknowledges the artform of healing provided by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for thousands of years. It is with great pride that GPs and practice teams of today continue to provide trusted healthcare to all members of the Australian community – a role that goes a long way in closing the gap and ensuring equity for all.”
“Cultural awareness is crucial to the way GPs communicate with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients. We want all patients to feel comfortable when they enter a general practice or health service, encounter staff and access services,” A/Prof Murphy said.
Associate Professor Mary Martin AM, Honorary Provost of the RACGP National Faculty of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health agreed with A/Professor Murphy that the new College gown and accompanying sash play a significant role in improving cultural awareness.
“Once again the RACGP in progressing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander matters has led the way, just as it did with their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health curriculum. I am so excited to see the new gown debuted at the Graduation Ceremony 2012.
“The new RACGP gown is absolutely stunning and I would be proud to wear it. Thank you to Dr Brad Murphy for having the vision to initiate the concept, to the College Council for acknowledging the significance of changing the ceremonial gown, the RACGP Membership for supporting the change, and the RACGP National Faculty of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health for bringing it to reality,” A/Prof Martin said.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artwork has been incorporated within the design to represent carvings, markings, tracks, scarification, body adornments; as well as interpretations of the landscape and traditional clothing born of specific regions.
“The checkerboard element of the design symbolises the patchwork possum skin cloaks worn by the people of the Victorian region in which the RACGP’s headquaters is based; a custom also practised in other areas of Australia. As ancient design is woven into the modern gown, it is a melding of the old and new. Through this, the RACGP pays its respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia,” A/Prof Martin concluded.
For more information regarding the College’s new ceremonial gown visit, the RACGP website or contact, aboriginalhealth@racgp.org.au.