A service which nurtures and cares for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families has taken a further step in its development with the opening of a special facility located within the community in North Mackay.
The Kem Kem Yanga Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) program is a maternity service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers and babies which was established by Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) in May 2019.
Mackay HHS Chief Executive Susan Gannon said the service was now being offered in the community at 25-29 Evans Avenue in North Mackay rather than in a hospital setting.
“This is a wonderful step forward in providing nurturing care for our First Nations families in a setting that is safe, welcoming and easier to access,” Ms Gannon said.
“An important priority for our health service is improving health and wellbeing outcomes for First Nations families and that begins with the smallest members – our babies.
“This is a beautiful space which features a large meeting room as well as five smaller spaces to provide safe care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women as they prepare to welcome these little ones into the world.”
Ms Gannon also thanked the Mackay Hospital Foundation for their support in arranging a donation from Daly Bay to buy furniture and fittings for the new centre.
“Chairs, tables, cushions, a refrigerator, books and Indigenous-themed toys and games for children have all been provided by Daly Bay, and I thank them for their generosity,” Ms Gannon said.
An opening event held last week included input from two Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who had been involved with the formation of the Kem Kem Yanga program since inception.
Aunty Deb Clark delivered a Welcome to Country and Aunty Julianna Kennell performed a Torres Strait Islander blessing.
The community-based facility, which is staffed by four midwives and a health worker, provides pre-natal (before birth) care for First Nations families.
