Aboriginal Health Services

Sorry Business is the term used by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to describe the mourning period when a family member dies and all responsibilities that follow in accordance with traditional lore and custom. The end stage of life is a very sensitive and significant time for patients and their loved one. 

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the time before and following death are subject to a number of customary practices. Such practices are sacred to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and will not be disclosed here. However, our District recognises Sorry Business, and has several programs tailored to end stages of life. We operate according to cultural respect (respecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives of death and dying and recognizing that they main differ in principle to mainstream perspectives), communication, capacity building, and relationships and partnerships. The district offers a specialized palliative care unit for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

For more information, get in touch with our team on 02 9881 1670.

Read about Nicole Winters, a Senior Aboriginal Health Worker, on our blog. Working in palliative care, Nicole supports Aboriginal patients throughout their end-of-life care.
https://thepulse.org.au/2021/03/30/aboriginal-health-worker-first-to-receive-covid-19-vaccine-at-new-blacktown-hospital-vaccination-clinic/