July 8 2026
Commonly Asked Questions | Aboriginal Health and culturally safe care
Culturally safe care helps people feel respected, understood and supported throughout their healthcare journey.
To mark National NAIDOC Week, Taylor Welsh, Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer for Calvary's ACT and Southern NSW Region, answers some of the most common questions about her role, culturally safe healthcare and why building relationships is at the heart of improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Q. What is your role, and where are you based?
I'm the ACT Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer, supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients accessing Calvary Bruce Private Hospital and Calvary John James Hospital, as well as First Nations residents at Haydon Aged Care, to help ensure care feels culturally safe, connected and welcoming.
I also work alongside staff by supporting cultural education, developing resources and helping coordinate events that recognise and celebrate important cultural dates throughout the year.
Q. How long have you worked at Calvary?
I've worked at Calvary since April 2024.
Q. What has been your career path? What led you to where you are now?
Before joining Calvary, I worked in the disability sector as both a disability support worker and in management roles. Supporting people and helping them navigate services has always been something I've been passionate about.
That path naturally led me to my current role, where I can continue supporting others while also connecting with, sharing and celebrating Aboriginal culture in a meaningful way.
Q. What's the core focus of your role?
At the heart of my role is building relationships, creating connection and supporting culturally responsive care across our services.
Q. What does a typical day look like for you?
It always starts with a coffee!
Most days involve checking patient lists and spending time visiting and connecting with patients who may need support. I also spend a lot of time behind the scenes, working on data reporting, meeting with different teams, progressing actions from our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Action Plan, and helping deliver initiatives through our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan.
No two days are ever the same, which is one of the things I enjoy most about the role.
Q. What do you love most about your role?
I love meeting new people every day. Everyone has a different story, and having the opportunity to connect with people and share culture is really special.
I've met some incredible people through this role, whether that's patients, staff or members of the community, and those relationships are what make the work so rewarding.
Q. What are you most proud of?
I'm most proud of helping create positive change across our sites and bringing Aboriginal culture to the forefront of the work we do.
Creating opportunities for cultural awareness, strengthening relationships and supporting meaningful change is something I'm incredibly proud to be part of.
Q. How are you celebrating NAIDOC Week this year?
At Calvary Bruce Private Hospital, we'll be celebrating with a shared lunch and taking time to reflect on the question, "Why is NAIDOC Week important?"
Behind the scenes, staff at Calvary John James Hospital have also been helping create a meaningful NAIDOC Week video to share across our services. It's been a wonderful opportunity to hear different perspectives, celebrate culture and create something that reflects connection, learning and community.
Q. Why is NAIDOC Week important to you?
NAIDOC Week recognises and celebrates the strength, resilience and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
It's a time for us to come together to learn, celebrate achievements and acknowledge culture, community and Country.
This year is especially significant as we celebrate 50 years of NAIDOC, recognising the generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have continued to advocate for stronger voices, greater recognition and meaningful change.
Q. How do you relax and recharge?
When I can, I love playing Rugby Union with my teammates at Royals Rugby Union. It's a great way to switch off, recharge and spend time doing something I enjoy.
Outside of rugby and work, I'm in full mum mode, making the most of life with my kids and appreciating those everyday moments together.
Q. What inspires you?
I'm a proud Wiradjuri woman, born and raised in Wagga Wagga.
The strong leaders and Elders in the Canberra community have inspired me to continue strengthening my own connection to culture while supporting and educating others to help create more culturally safe and inclusive workplaces.
