When not working as Whittlesea council’s new Aboriginal access and support officer, Shontia Saluja-Honeysett is trying to reconnect with her 16 aunties and uncles.
The Wiradjuri woman was removed from her family in Narrandera, about 300 kilometres from Wagga in New South Wales, and was raised in foster homes in the Riverina. At 16 she left for Sydney to work in aged care before meeting her husband, moving to Melbourne in 2012 and raising two sons.
She then set herself a challenge by signing up for a nursing degree at Deakin University through the Institute of Koori Education.
“It was a struggle … I had left school after completing my year 9,” she said.
In her new role with Whittlesea council, Ms Saluja-Honeysett plans to raise the profile of Aboriginal seniors, take them on weekly outings and connect them to social groups and health providers.
She said many Elders needed help securing home-care and visiting doctors or hospitals.
“Going to the hospital is a big deal – it can be really traumatic,” she said.
“In the old days, they could only be seen after all the white people had been looked after.”
To be involved in Elders Making A Difference, call Annabelle or Helen on 9463 0922.
