As we move towards completion for the Camooweal Primary Health Clinic and staff accommodation, The North West Hospital and Health Service (North West HHS) continue to work closely with the Indjalandji-Dhidhanu Aboriginal Corporation and other Cultural Elders to deliver a culturally safe environment for community.

The Indjalandji-Dhidhanu people make up the primary population of Camooweal together with other First Nations and non-First Nations peoples.

North West HHS and Health Infrastructure Queensland have worked with the Traditional Owners to provide cultural training for all staff associated with the project including Project Manager, Contractors, and other onsite staff that will be working on the Camooweal site.

The Cultural Training focused on Cultural Heritage Legislation comprising the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 (Queensland Legislation), Native Title Act 1993 (Commonwealth Legislation) and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Act 1984 (Commonwealth Legislation).

To build the cultural awareness of stakeholders involved in the project, the training provided insight into the Project Manager’s and Managing Contractor’s responsibilities in abiding by the cultural heritage protocols when reporting finds and how to minimise potential harm by not removing flora, fauna or artefacts from Country.

Director of Strategic Planning Improve Report and Risk, Ugen Naiker, said the training was essential for understanding cultural context of the community to deliver new facilities that will provide not only clinical spaces but a healing space for the community.

“The training centred on the importance of native trees, identifying native animals and the science and research related to cultural heritage,” said Dr Naiker.

“The Camooweal community has also been instrumental in informing the design of the facility and health services – designed with community for community.”

The Camooweal Primary Health Clinic and the staff accommodation are due for completion at the end of 2024.