Bayer First Nations Immersion 2024

A small group of Bayer employees had the privilege of participating in our second First Nations cultural immersion program in August 2024. 

Beach Shore immersion

This initiative, part of Bayer’s sustainability and reconciliation activities, stems from a three-year partnership with Australian Red Cross ‘Baby Hub’ Program in Galiwin’ku in Far East Arnhem Land.

Established in 2012, Baby Hub was set up as a partnership between Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation and Australian Red Cross. Staffed predominantly by First Nations community workers, Baby Hub provides wholistic support for mothers and babies, not provided elsewhere. It’s the only place that combines western and cultural medical attention, as well as emotional support. 


At its core, Baby Hub centre exists for the women and babies of Galiwin’ku aiming to improve growth outcomes for babies in their first 1000 days of life, as well as boost parents' confidence, education, skills, and wellbeing. It is the only hub of its kind to exist in Australia.


In this community, the pre-term birth rate is 3 times the national average. This means for expectant mothers, having care within the community is critical for both themselves and their unborn baby. Not only this, but Galiwin’ku is located 550 kilometres from Darwin (2 hours by plane), with the closest hospital being in Nhulunbuy (1 hour by plane). This means the resources and medical support that Baby Hub provides to an average of 10-15 mothers and babies every single week, is critical. 

Without Baby Hub, hundreds of women and children would go without food, nappies, education, support, and much needed reprieve.


The Bayer team immersion is designed to provide first-hand experience of life in Galinwin’ku, exposure to the day to day operation of Baby Hub and importantly build knowledge of First Nations ways of being.  


Hosted by Australian Red Cross and the local Galinwin’ku community, the Bayer team spent three days with the team and mothers at Baby Hub, engaging in core community activities such as ceremonies with elders, visiting schools, storytelling, and cooking and fishing.


The group rolled their sleeves up, helping to paint the centre. They also spent time with local healthcare practitioners, and learned about the Galiwin’ku ways of living such as kinship system, bush foods and ceremony. 

dancing

Immersion highlights included dancing, cooking, and hunting with the locals. 

georgette

Georgette Kastoun from Consumer Health, Bayer, remarked, “Baby Hub epitomises culture, care, and community. It’s not just a building on Elcho Island, but a second home to babies, kids, and mums. We learnt a lot about kinship during our trip, and Baby Hub integrates everything it represents."

maria

Maria Sonntag from Crop Science, Bayer, praised the staff, saying, “Australian Red Cross Baby Hub in Galiwin’ku, with their absolutely wonderful staff, are doing an amazing job. I have not seen this level of integration of cultures before in any other remote community that I have visited. Congratulations!”

catherine new photo

Catherine Reed from Crop Science, Bayer,shared her gratitude, “It was a privilege to participate in the Galiwin’ku Baby Hub visit, and I am genuinely grateful to Bayer for supporting this. Australian Red Cross Baby Hub does an amazing job working in the community in supporting mums and bubs, along with their families on the island, taking any day-to-day challenges in their stride. It was an extremely rewarding and inspirational experience and Bridget is truly incredible! I was actually sad to leave; I would have been happy to stay longer to do more, whatever the task, have more time to sit, talk and listen, and to see and experience more. There is so much more I want to learn and understand.”
 

nicole

Nicole Lee from Pharmaceuticals, Bayer, expressed her heartfelt thanks, “A huge sincere thank you to Bridget, Ange, and the Galiwin’ku families for warmly welcoming us into their Elcho Island world. I have come back a different person and am so incredibly grateful for the new friendships, the learnings, and the conversations that were shared. Thank you for making the trip a lesson I will forever treasure and aim to continue to grow and share with everyone I meet in life. Forever grateful.”

Marike

Marike de Bruyn from Pharmaceuticals, Bayer, reflected on the experience, “The warmth and joy of the people on Galiwin’ku filled me with gratitude and a sense of purpose as we worked together at Baby Hub. However, seeing and hearing about the stark poverty, limited resources, and the daily struggles they endure was heartbreaking. The experience left me feeling blessed to have been part of their lives but also deeply saddened by the harsh reality they face every day. My gratitude and respect toward Bridget and the team at Australian Red Cross, for helping the community, knows no bounds.”

merrilyn

Merrilyn Amies summed up the sentiment, “I feel very privileged to have been allowed into the lives of the wonderful people at Galiwin’ku. It was an experience that I will have with me forever. There do not seem to be enough adjectives to describe the time we had; the spirit of the women and the love for the children was amazing to see.” This immersion program not only provided Bayer employees with a deeper understanding of First Nations culture but also fostered meaningful connections and lasting memories.

This immersion program not only provided Bayer employees with a deeper understanding of First Nations culture but also fostered meaningful connections and lasting memories.


Bayer has committed to a $300,000 partnership with Australian Red Cross Baby Hub over three years.


Australian Red Cross welcomes other donations to help support Galiwin’ku’s Baby Hub and other vital humanitarian work supporting people in disaster, crises and isolation. For more information, visit the Australian Red Cross website.


Bayer held open applications for staff to join the immersion in 2024. We’d like to recognise the high level of support and interest across the organisation and thank those who took the time to visit Galinwin’ku and immerse themselves in this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Photo credits: Angela Arlow @angelaarlow