Community
10 July, 2026
SWH celebrates with song
RESIDENTS at South West Healthcare (SWH)’s Leura Aged Care facility enjoyed a special NAIDOC Week celebration on Wednesday.
The facility was visited by Gunditjmara man Lee Morgan, who performed a Welcome to Country and a smoking ceremony.
Chief operating officer Alex Demidov said he had only just met Mr Morgan – having only started at SWH this year – but found he was a “fantastic guy”.
“He’s approachable, friendly, welcoming and he’s been great to work with,” he said.
“This is his third year with us.
“He has a really deep connection with the community and a great relationship with the health service.”
The ceremony was followed by a flag-raising before Mr Demidov gave a speech on the connections between the facility and the Indigenous history of Camperdown.
The SWH Reconciliation Choir rounded out the main event with performances of Christine Anu’s 2000 hit ‘My Island Home’ and Midnight Oil’s 1987 song ‘Beds are Burning’.
Attendees were then invited inside for a lunch put on at the Sugarloaf Café.
Mr Demidov said events such as Wednesday’s NAIDOC Week event provided an opportunity for organisations and the wider community to connect with the original custodians of the nation.
“Having our facility named after the local tribe is something really empowering and it’s hopefully something that’s empowering to the community,” he said.
“The residents were inside – they’re a little cold, but they were really looking forward to the event.
“They were here ahead of time and enjoying the celebration.
“It’s been a great day. It’s a little cold, but outside of that the warmth of the community is really enveloping.
“I think it’s great we’re able to show appreciation to the locals and be a part of the NAIDOC Week celebrations.”
Read More: Camperdown