Medical centre a cultural treat

By Shaun Inguanzo
A NEW medical centre with a strong multicultural focus will soon open in Cranbourne.
CDM Specialist Medical Clinic will open on 11 August at 2pm, and is located at 199B High Street, Cranbourne.
The centre already has a base in Dandenong, where immigration has been strong for several decades.
But with emerging cultures including Sudanese, and existing Indigenous Australians in Cranbourne, the centre has decided to open a branch in the town’s heart.
Shirley Blackwood, 55, works at CDM as a liaison and support worker for Indigenous people.
Alongside her is Chris Yugusak, who plays a similar role for Sudanese and other African culture refugees.
Ms Blackwood said the clinic was for everyone in Cranbourne to use, but given it had workers from specific cultural backgrounds on hand, refugees and Indigenous Australians will find they can relate to medical centre staff more comfortably.
Ms Blackwood said specialist staff would encourage refugees and Indigenous people to come out of the shadows and seek essential medical assistance.
Mr Yugusak said his role, like Ms Blackwood’s, was varied, but was an ingredient of what set CDM apart from other clinics.
“My role is helping new African refugees when they arrive,” he said.
“They come to the clinic because initially they don’t know English, so I am able to help them with the language barrier as an interpreter.
“If our doctor refers them to a specialist or a hospital, then I can also help make the appointment.”
CDM Specialist Medical Clinic will open at 2pm on 11 August with a selection of festivities including an Indigenous smoking ceremony and dancers.