Hills District Independent August 2020 #62 August 2020 | Page 7

Dr Maleika Selwyn communicate with cultural sensitivity and establish trust within the local community, which was challenging. To meet these community needs caused her to think outside the box. She soon learned that the antenatal clinic functioned best when it was known as the ‘Mother’s Group Morning Tea’ where elders and local mums met the expectant mums in the community. Maleika sourced funding from various groups such as the Red Cross, who funded the remote Walgett Public School breakfast club and her research into the rates of childhood iron deficiency anaemia and its correlation with poor academic outcomes. “One of the greatest memories of my time working in rural NSW was when I was invited by the local Indigenous elders to join them on 13 February 2008, to hear former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd deliver his Apology to the Stolen Generations speech to Indigenous Australians before Maleika with the Mums4Refugees team. the Australian Parliament,” Maleika recalled. “I was forever changed by the weeping of those all around me and sensed that this was a profound moment and the start of deep healing in Australia.” Maleika is a firm believer that every Australian has a part to play in reconciliation and supporting and empowering Indigenous people. She continues to be involved in Indigenous health by running workshops on the subject for medical students and doctors and supporting emerging Indigenous leaders, NGOs and church ministries. After working in rural areas and finally moving back to work in Sydney as a young mum, Maleika soon realised the vulnerability of being a mother without the support of your own family. Again, she was instrumental in setting up groups where mothers could support each other, and where both women and children became more empowered at a vulnerable time. “It’s about creating opportunities for people who don’t have family or support so they can become part of a community. This is especially valuable for women in vulnerable groups, young mums and babies, immigrants who have no family near and Indigenous women are some of the key groups who are needing help,” Maleika said. Besides setting up local mums’ groups in the Hills region, she joined Mums4Refugees, a grassroots movement of mums across Australia who campaign for social justice for asylum seekers and refugees. Over the last few years, Maleika has been supporting refugees via fundraising and efforts, including food and essential item collections. “We divided Sydney into smaller areas and I’m the representative for the Hill’s District and help if there is a food drive or a special need in that area. I’m also a board member and can help direct how we target people who are newcomers to the community, refugee women and asylum seekers who have no Medicare or healthcare available.” Maleika believes the group works as it’s women helping other women. All participants are united by being mothers and understanding how challenging that can be. Mums4Refugees offer support where they can. “We offer different services. We have a GP in Granville, a person who helps people looking for work, and run a food bank at Addison Road in the inner west.” Maleika encourages all of us to take Maleika with Aboriginal Christian Leader, Brooke Prentis. on a personal challenge to look after the most vulnerable in our local community, especially during this unprecedented time of a global pandemic. “COVID-19 has brought with it many more people in need. There are so many families dependent on food banks to feed their families and the rate of vulnerable people in our community has increased exponentially,” she commented. “If you want to assist people in need food banks are doing call outs for basic items such as rice, pasta cans of beans, corn, tuna, tomatoes and toiletries. These items can be dropped off at the House of Welcome, 197 The Trongate, Granville, NSW.” If you know of anyone who deserves to be recognised for their work in the community, please contact us so we can get in touch! 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[email protected] 0400 564 435 trueparadisemotorhomes www.paradisemotorhomes.com.au THE HILLS INDEPENDENT www.hdinews.com.au ISSUE 62 // AUGUST 2020 7