Refugee week in Fairfield highlights need for trauma-informed care
23 Jul 2025
An inspiring celebration of cultures and a confronting simulation of the refugee journey were among the local activities held to mark Refugee Week.
SWSPHN Integration and Priority Populations Coordinator Navnita Chetty was in Fairfield for both activities – the Refugee Week Festival at Fairfield Youth Centre and the Refugee Camp in My Hospital at Fairfield Hospital.
Navnita said the importance of healthcare providers taking time, showing compassion and providing care in a patient-centred way was highlighted during a demonstration at the Refugee Camp.
“A volunteer was showing what it was like for a refugee to see a GP, and she was speaking to us in her native language. I was selected to play the role of a refugee and of course I didn’t understand what she was saying to me, it was quite overwhelming.”
Blue Knot Foundation offers trauma-informed awareness and support training.
SWSPHN offers primary care providers in our region full reimbursement of the course fee for the training which equips GPs and other primary care providers with the tools to:
- better recognise complex trauma and possible health presentations in their patients
- support the clinician’s ability to cope with what comes as a result of such care
Find out more about the training: Trauma-informed care training for primary care providers and other workers
This article appeared in Practice Pulse on Wednesday, 23 July 2025. If you are a GP, practice nurse or practice manager in South Western Sydney and do not get the weekly Practice Pulse email, speak to your Practice Support Officer.
