Supporting Indigenous communities in remote locations
by Chelsea Ardley
At Corporate Protection, we are proudly progressing through our third Reconciliation Action Plan, which focuses on enhancing Indigenous employment, supporting remote communities, and deepening our engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
A standout initiative, led by medic Brian Hughes, underscores the significant impact of our efforts in remote areas. Brian works closely with the Traditional Owners in Weipa, offering essential advice on health and well-being while embracing the rich cultural exchange that these relationships foster.
Brian’s interactions are deeply reciprocal. He provides guidance on hydration, UTI prevention, dietary habits, and navigating medical services and care pathways. In return, he gains invaluable knowledge from the Traditional Owners about bush medicine and cultural practices. This mutual exchange even extends to unique trades: “Occasionally, there’s a bit of trading going on,” Brian shares. “I bring Krispy Kremes and swap for fresh bush honey from a local scar tree or some mud crab.“
Most of Brian’s valuable engagements occur during on-call periods or within breaks designed to manage fatigue. The conversations often stem from clinical trends Brian has observed or inquiries from elders about health topics pertinent to their communities. These discussions have covered a wide range of subjects, including:
- UTI prevention
- Hydration essentials
- Strategies to combat domestic violence
- Nutritional advice and the impact of preservatives
- Diabetes management
- The critical importance of following medical advice
- COVID-19 awareness
- Early reporting and treatment of wounds to prevent infection
- Enthusiastic debates about Broncos vs. Cowboys
- The risks of smoking and cancer
- Addressing alcohol and drug abuse
- Grief management and mental health support
- Insights into sexual health
- Essentials of first aid
Brian’s commitment to these informal yet crucial engagements can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours per session. These interactions tend to decrease during the wet season when many return to their townships, as flooding closes off roads.
We are immensely proud of the initiative Brian has taken in building relationships with the local communities—a testament to the support and encouragement from our clients.
Reflecting on his experiences, Brian notes, “I always thought I loved the bush, but being welcomed to country and learning local history and traditional hunting and food preparation techniques have revealed secrets of the bush to me. This has profoundly deepened my appreciation for sustainable practices in mining, habitat, and general land care.“
At Corporate Protection, we continue to support and celebrate the meaningful connections our team members like Brian establish, which not only enhance our operations but also enrich our understanding and respect for the land and its original custodians.