Tracey O’Brien: I continue to be inspired by the rich history of our country at NAIDOC Week

Tracey O’Brien shared a post by Cancer Institute NSW on LinkedIn:

“Celebrations are taking place across Australia, and rightly so, as our communities come together to reflect on the spirit and passion of Aboriginal communities this NAIDOC Week.

It’s a time to share stories and educate ourselves, our colleagues and our children on the history, culture and inspiring achievements of Aboriginal leaders and community members.

For the team at the Cancer Institute NSW, it’s the simple things, like coming together to share a meal and learn from each other that has helped mark this important week in our calendar.

Every day I continue to be inspired by the rich history of our country and am grateful to my Aboriginal friends and colleagues who continue to educate me on a daily basis.”

Quoting Cancer Institute NSW’s post:

“his week we celebrate NAIDOC Week 7-14 July 2024, recognising the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Keep the fire burning! BLAK, LOUD and PROUD. The 2024 theme honours the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations culture – with fire a symbol of connection to Country, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

On Monday, the Cancer Institute NSW staff came together to celebrate NAIDOC, connect and reflect in person.

Staff had the opportunity to hear from Anthony Carter, Associate Director, Aboriginal Strategy and Engagement on his journey of learning through the lens of inter-generational cultural identity, knowledge, and custodianship that he has been entrusted by others across generations.

Listening and learning from Aboriginal People we can celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Aboriginal communities.

We are encouraging everyone to get involved in NAIDOC week by attending the local community events taking place across Australia. You can search for events closest to you on the NAIDOC official website.

Find out more about this year’s theme.

Source: Tracey O’Brien/LinkedIn and Cancer Institute NSW/LinkedIn

Dr. Tracey O’Brien is the NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW, Australia. Before her current role, Tracey was Director of the Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, and Director of the Transplant & Cellular Therapy Program.

Tracey has held numerous high-profile national and international leadership positions, including Advisory Chair, Cancer Australia; V/Chair (Africa, Asia and Australasia) International Centre for Bone Marrow Transplant Research and V/President of the Australian and New Zealand Children’s Oncology Group.

In recognition of her exceptional contributions, Tracey was profiled in 2023 as one of the world’s foremost women in paediatric cancer by the International Society of Paediatric Oncology. In 2019 Tracey was named in the Australian Financial Review’s prestigious Top 10 Women of Influence, winning the Innovation category.

In addition to her medical expertise, Tracey has a Master of Law (Health) and executive MBA and serves as a conjoint Professor in Clinical Medicine (UNSW) and Honorary Professor in Science and Engineering (Macquarie University).

Dr. O’Brien remains committed to mentoring the next generation of clinician leaders and maintains an active clinical practice in cancer survivorship at Sydney Children’s Hospital.