Content Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this story contains the name of a Dunghutti man who has passed away.
A new $5,000 annual scholarship has been created in honour of Dunghutti man David Dungay Jr to support Aboriginal health professionals working in the NSW criminal justice system.
The David Dungay Jr Scholarship will support the education and development of Aboriginal health staff to improve the health outcomes and experiences of Aboriginal people in custody.
David Dungay Jr died in Long Bay Prison Hospital in 2015 after being held down by six guards. He was 26-years-old.
In the decade since his death, David’s mother Leetona, along with his family, friends and community have been standing against a system that continues to fail Aboriginal people.
Leetona said:
“We, David Dungay Jr’s family, are advocating for changes in the criminal system to stop Aboriginal deaths in custody. Culturally safe care for Aboriginal people who are incarcerated can be a lifeline. We believe this scholarship should serve as an example to all states and territories of the need to support Aboriginal Health Workers in the criminal system, so they can provide the culturally safe care our people deserve.”
Created in partnership between Justice Health and Forensic Mental Health Network (Justice Health NSW) and the Dungay family, the scholarship marks the tenth anniversary of David’s death in custody.
Each year, the scholarship will be awarded to an Aboriginal health professional employed by Justice Health NSW, helping strengthen culturally responsive health services for Aboriginal adults and young people in contact with the criminal justice system.
Justice Health NSW Chief Executive Wendy Hoey said the scholarship reflects an ongoing commitment to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal communities.
“Justice Health NSW maintains a strong commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of people in contact with the criminal justice system, especially for our Aboriginal communities who remain over-represented in custody,” Ms Hoey said.
“I recognise more needs to be done, and that is why I’m proud to work closely with David’s family to establish this annual scholarship in his name. We believe it will support the development of Aboriginal health staff and improve health outcomes through culturally safe care.”
