The buildings used by RSPH staff and students have a long and varied history, including be part of the old Canberra Hospital. As part of this week’s NAIDOC celebrations Ngunnawal elder Wally Bell led a traditional Cleansing Ceremony to rid these buildings of evil spirits and heal our workspaces. To do this Wally crushed gum leaves until the eucalyptus aroma was released, then moved around the buildings to cleanse the area. The branches will be kept in the area until they are dry, and we hope our offices feel rejuvenated, and with lots of positive energy.

After the Cleansing Ceremony Wally also led an educational and uplifting tour of the ANU campus, showing cultural features such as scarred trees, hunting ground, and gathering areas. People were fascinated to see the campus in a new light, and learn about its cultural significance.