Grampians Health Ballarat hosts smoking ceremony for First Nations babies

Grampians Health hosted a traditional smoking ceremony in November for First Nations babies, who were born between 2019 and 2021 in its Ballarat hospital, to celebrate their entry from the dreaming.

The ceremony, which was held at Taur-a (Place of Belonging) at the Federation University’s Mount Helen campus, was the first celebration of babies by Grampians Health since its formation in 2021. The event was also attended by Grampians Health CEO Dale Fraser.

More than 90 babies participated in the smoking ceremony, which celebrated the families’ connection to country and to community.
“The ceremony was a celebration of First Nation families, culture and the boorai (babies) connection to the land on which they are born,” said Emme Leehane, Team Leader of Aboriginal Health, Grampians Health.

“The Grampians Health Aboriginal team wanted to organise something special, to help people feel and celebrate strong ties to culture. Through this ceremony, all First Nation babies who are born at Grampians Health, Ballarat Base Hospital, over the last three years were able to come and feel acknowledged, feel welcomed and have a sense of belonging here on Wadawurrung Country.”

Wadawurrung traditional custodian Tammy Gilson conducted the ceremony to welcome the young children to Country. Meanwhile, youth dancers from Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative performed at the event.

Children who participated in the ceremony were gifted with painted boomerangs and Welcome to Country picture books.

Ms Leehane said the event also provided a chance to promote intercultural understanding and strengthen community ties.

The Aboriginal Welcome to Country ceremonies for babies born at the hospital was first initiated by Ballarat Health Services in 2017 and was held annually until the COVID pandemic struck.

A video of the ceremony can be viewed here.