Strengthening local networks

Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer Laura-Jane Singh is a relative newcomer to Mercy Health. She has had extensive human services experience across three states and is now eager to generate strong relationships with Aboriginal communities and other key stakeholder groups in Melbourne’s west.

For Laura-Jane, raising community awareness of Mercy Health’s Aboriginal Programs has been a priority in her first five months of working with Mercy Health.

“Supporting patients at Werribee Mercy Hospital is paramount, as well as building a network with the Wyndham/Hobsons Bay Local Aboriginal Network, and the Wyndham City Council,” says Laura-Jane.

Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer Laura-Jane Singh

A Wiradjuri and Quandamooka woman, she is married with two daughters. “They are my first priority but at work I aim to provide culturally safe and equitable services to all the clients I connect with, as well as their families, and fellow employees,” she says.

Laura-Jane says she prides herself on being honest and transparent in the way she not only delivers advice but the way she receives knowledge within the area she works.

“I have a strong focus on mental health and plan to work tirelessly to improve this space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Laura-Jane with her children

“I believe the key to making this role successful is to strengthen our presence in the community and respond to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples so we can provide clear, person-centred support within the health sector,” says Laura-Jane.

She says she will maintain a commitment to positive community development, access to education, and person-centred advocacy for those most vulnerable within our society.

“I have aspired for some time to make a move into the health sector. It’s the area of support our community requires most when people are at their most vulnerable. For me, this role is pivotal in linking community members to Mercy Health support services and the community.”

Last reviewed August 15, 2021.

Together, for better or worse

Cancer patient Terry Challis is able to continue living at home with his beloved wife Lorraine, watching sport and spending time with his grandchildren, thanks to the help of his daughter Kim and Mercy Palliative Care’s 24-hour service.

Together, for better or worse

From the garden to the plate

With the help of a generous grant from the Maggie Beer Foundation, Mercy Place Rice Village planted their very own vegetable garden in 2016 to grow fresh produce to use in their daily meals. Five years on it is still thriving and yields an abundance of salad greens, silverbeet, lemongrass and fresh herbs.

From the garden to the plate

Les and Ivy’s centuries of resilience

Les and Ivy live in Mercy Place homes on opposite sides of Australia and are likely unknown to each other, but both of their stories demonstrate the extraordinary resilience and determination of an earlier generation.

Les and Ivy’s centuries of resilience