“From little things big things grow.”
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That is what founding member of the Wellington Aboriginal Corporation Health Service (WACHS), Aunty Joyce Williams, said to herself 25 years ago when the service was launched.
It has certainly been the case for the organisation which flourished over the last two decades to now service locations across the state.
The milestone was celebrated with the help of community members, ambassadors and services at Pioneer Park on Friday – a sight to behold for Aunty Joyce who reminisced on the service’s early days.
“From little things big things grow – I always said that and I believe it,” she said.
“It’s still happening, it’s still growing.
“Look at all the students here – in years to come these children will remember this day.”
Aunty Joyce gave credit to CEO Darren Ah-See who she said has done a wonderful job in the organisation’s progression.
WACHS chairperson, Marsha Hill, agreed the milestone was a big day for the indigenous community of Wellington.
“It is a massive milestone acknowledging the Elders who set up the service,” she said
“It took a lot of time, effort and dedication for a mob of people in a time that it wasn’t a positive experience for Aboriginal people.”
She said the service initially started with one drug and alcohol worker, and has since grown to employ close to 100 staff members across NSW.
“It has allowed opportunities for staff to train and earn professional qualifications so the best quality service can be delivered to the community,” Marsha said.
She added the service has expanded across the state to include Moree, Dubbo, Mt Druitt, and soon to be Penrith and the Blue Mountains.
“It’s a really good service to work for and an absolute pleasure to see our community healthy and have access to the best and quality health care,” Marsha said.
Friday’s celebrations were attended to by local schools and services, QuitBFit ambassadors, and special guests including Move it Mob Style, NRL and former NRL players Timana Tahu, Nathan Merritt, Ash Taylor, Will Smith Braidon Burns, and Tyrone Roberts.
