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Darling Downs Health’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health (ATSIH) team walked alongside young Barkindji man Jarrah recently, supporting his connection to Country, culture, and ancestors during a deeply challenging time.
Jarrah began receiving culturally safe and respectful care through ATSIH after he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer in December last year.
During Jarrah’s journey with ATSIH, he spoke strongly of his connection to Barkindji Country along the Barka (Darling River), where his people have belonged for thousands of years.
Although Jarrah grew up in the Darling Downs region, his heart has always been on Barkindji Country.
“Jarrah told our Clinical Nurse Consultant team (CNC) that he felt a sense of loss, as he had never had the chance to stand on his ancestral land and connect fully with his old people,” ATSIH Director Todd Williams said.
“This feeling stayed with him as he faced his illness. Listening carefully to Jarrah, our ATSIH CNC team recognised that true care meant walking with Jarrah in a way that supported both his spirit and his body. This is a true example of Health Equity in action”
A call was then carried through our community networks to help find a wedgetail eagle feather – Jarrah’s totem.
With guidance and respect, soil from the Menindee Lakes and native plants were also sent to him so he could feel Country with his hands.
The call for help travelled far and wide, reaching mob from as far south as Kureinji Country, north to Kalkadoon Country, and east across Gumbaynggirr and Biripi Nations.
It gave Jarrah an opportunity to hold in his hands spirit and strength and allowed him to find the courage to move through this time with community and culture by his side.
“Many hands held this journey, each one reflecting the strength that comes from kinship, community, and shared responsibility,”
ATSIH Director, Todd Williams
“This was not the work of one person, but a collective act of care.”
Mr Williams said it became paramount for Darling Downs Health and the broader executive team to respectfully source a feather from the wedge-tailed eagle.
“For Barkindji people, the wedgetail eagle is a powerful totem - a protector and watcher - offering courage, guidance, and strength,” he said.
“That feather carries more than form; it carries the spirit of community walking together, ensuring Jarrah is held, protected, and supported on his journey.”
A smoking ceremony was also organised with Darling Downs Health team member Uncle Charlie (Warren) Waters.
Smoking is a deeply important cultural practice - a way of cleansing, healing, and protecting, clearing away what no longer serves and restoring balance.
During the ceremony, the soil, plants, and totem were presented to Jarrah, strengthening his connection to Country, ancestors, and spirit.
“Jarrahs’ story reminds us that culture is healing,” Health Service Chief Executive Annette Scott PSM said.
“When we take the time to listen deeply and honour where someone comes from, we help keep spirit strong - even in the hardest moments.
“This is what culturally safe care looks like: walking together, respecting culture, and keeping connection to Country alive.”