Barwon Health staff hub name revealed

L-R: Barwon Heath CEO Frances Diver, Geelong MP Christine Couzens, Wadawurrung Traditional Owner Corrina Eccles and Barwon Health board director Susan Sdrinis at the newly named Getjawil Precinct. Photo: SUPPLIED

BARWON Health has officially named its new staff hub the Getjawil Precinct.

The redeveloped North Geelong site, formerly the Target head office, has been transformed into a space for healthcare staff and the wider community, with tenancies shared between Barwon Health, Gateways and Cultura.

It presently accommodates about 350 employees and is already fostering collaboration across teams, with staff enjoying their new workspace.

The name Getjawil, meaning “many” in Wadawurrung language, reflects the precinct’s purpose as a place of connection, innovation and collaboration in health and wellbeing.

The use of Wadawurrung language reflects the spirit of unity, inclusivity and collaboration.

A commemorative naming event was held to mark Close The Gap Day with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony performed by Wadawurrung Traditional Owner Corrina Eccles.

Geelong MP Christine Couzens spoke at the event in her capacity as Close The Gap ambassador.

Barwon Health chief executive officer Frances Diver said the naming of this precinct is an important step forward in Barwon Health’s commitment to reconciliation.

“The preservation and revitalisation of Wadawurrung traditional language is an essential part of our journey toward reconciliation and we are proud to honour this by embedding language into the heart of our spaces.

“We hope this precinct will serve as a space where First Nations people can feel a sense of belonging and cultural connection.”

Barwon Health thanked the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Corporation for their guidance and support in the naming of the precinct.