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Photo source: Mackay Hospital and Health Service
A smoking ceremony, Welcome to Country and Torres Strait Islander prayer marked a significant beginning for the newly appointed Mackay Hospital and Health Board, as it convened for its first official meeting at Mackay Base Hospital.
Yuwi Elder Philip Kemp conducted the Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, while Seba Kaigey delivered the Torres Strait Islander prayer.
Following the cultural protocols, Board members, Mackay Hospital and Health Service Executive Leadership Team Chief Executive Sean Birgan, staff and attendees were invited to walk through the smoke or waft it over themselves, symbolising cleansing of spirit and body.
The ceremonies established the tone for the board’s work moving forward, reflecting a commitment to partnership with community, cultural respect and holistic approaches to care. The moment also served to connect the hospital’s physical environment with broader principles of healing and wellbeing for the community it serves.
The newly appointed Board is led by reappointed Chair Monica McKendry and includes five new members: Deputy Chair David Nebauer, Ron Nightingale, Dr Peter Malouf, Alana Moller and Lynn Smart. Reappointed members Associate Professor Luke Lawton and Andrea Ranson continue in their current terms.
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