At Medical & Aged Care Group (MACG), cultural inclusion sits at the heart of wellbeing. In 2024, this commitment took a meaningful leap forward with the introduction of MACG’s First Nations Virtual Reality Program, delivered in partnership with SilVR Adventures. Launched during NAIDOC Week and now embedded across multiple homes, the initiative uses immersive Indigenous storytelling to deepen cultural connection, spark conversation, and celebrate the voices and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The program brings residents into vivid, immersive First Nations story worlds crafted by Indigenous Australian creators. For many older adults, this was the first time they had engaged with Indigenous culture in such an experiential way.
Staff describe the sessions as “captivating,” with residents expressing awe at the landscapes, artistry, and stories presented.
The VR experiences created space for reflection, learning, and cultural exchange, prompting meaningful discussions long after sessions ended.
Importantly, the program has also strengthened inclusion for First Nations residents, offering a culturally safe way to reconnect with Country, tradition, and identity.
One resident shared that the Indigenous experience during NAIDOC Week was “fascinating… so clear to watch, so interesting,” while others described the sessions as calming, emotional, or deeply relatable.
Even residents from non-Indigenous backgrounds found the storytelling powerful. As one lifestyle team member reflected, “It opens up cultural exchange opportunities across our whole community.”
Staff from diverse backgrounds also benefited, using the VR content as a structured way to build understanding and confidence when engaging with First Nations residents. The shared learning helped strengthen trust and cultural safety within the home.
For residents who seldom join group activities or are room-based, VR offered a new pathway into connection. Whether exploring sacred landscapes or listening to stories of art, Country, and culture, many residents became more expressive, more verbal, and more eager to share their own experiences. The program not only celebrated First Nations heritage but also fostered unity through shared discovery.
By weaving immersive Indigenous storytelling into everyday care, MACG is reshaping cultural inclusion in aged care—creating spaces where learning, respect, and connection thrive.
