What’s happening?
A new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Liaison Officer office has been officially opened at Mackay Base Hospital.
The new space is designed to support local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, families and community members during their hospital journey.
It provides a welcoming, culturally safe space where people can seek support, share concerns, and receive culturally appropriate information and assistance from the hospital liaison team.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Executive Director Kerry Maley said the opening was an important moment for the service.
“This space recognises the extraordinary work of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health liaison team, who walk alongside local patients and families during some of their most vulnerable moments,” Ms Maley said.
“They advocate, guide and support people to navigate a complex health system with compassion, cultural understanding and respect.”
Why it matters?
The office is helping improve support, access and the overall patient journey for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
It also aims to build trust, strengthen communication and improve health outcomes.
Ms Maley said the office had become a central support point within the hospital.
“This space has become a central one-stop hub for patient support, strengthening coordination between the hospital liaison team, transport officers and the Better Connected Care (BCC) team to deliver a more holistic and responsive approach to care,” Ms Maley said.
“The space also offers a safe yarning place for Elders and a comfortable waiting area for patients who may experience anxiety when accessing hospital services.
“The hospital liaison office encourages drop-in visits, allowing for greater support, feedback and information sharing with our mob.”
The office also helps address barriers such as failure to attend appointments and discharge against medical advice through early connection, trust-building and support.
It also supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander unit staff by providing an environment for debriefing, cultural reflection and knowledge sharing.
“Essentially, this hospital liaison space serves to strengthen culturally safe practice within the hospital, improve the patient experience and reinforce our commitment to delivering respectful, inclusive and equitable care for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
Local Impact
The office provides a visible, accessible support hub within Mackay Base Hospital.
Its location near the main entrance makes it easier for patients, families and community members to connect with the liaison team.
The space also strengthens coordination between the hospital liaison team, transport officers and the Better Connected Care team.
Health Equity Advisory members Uncle Harold, Uncle Shane, and Aunty Jenny attended the celebration, along with members of the HHS Executive Leadership team, Interim Board Chair Monica McKendry, and board members Bill Cooper and Andrea Ranson.
By the numbers
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The office was officially opened on 19 March 2026 during Closing the Gap Day celebrations at Mackay Base Hospital.
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The new office space is next to Mackay Base Hospital’s main entrance on Bridge Road, giving patients and families a clear point of access.
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Three Health Equity Advisory members, Uncle Harold, Uncle Shane and Aunty Jenny, attended the celebration and continue to provide cultural authority, leadership and guidance.
Zoom in
The office has been decorated with Health Equity artwork to create a highly visible, welcoming and culturally safe environment.
It provides patients, families, and community members with a place to seek support in a setting that feels safe and respectful.
The space also includes a safe, welcoming area for Elders and a comfortable waiting area for patients who may experience anxiety when accessing hospital services.
Zoom out
The opening reflects the broader goals of National Close the Gap Day and the Closing the Gap National Agreement.
The agreement calls for genuine partnership, shared decision-making, and accountability to improve life outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Ms Maley said there had been progress, but significant disparities remain.
“As a health service, we are committed to embedding health equity into everything we do, and today’s celebration and opening of the health liaison office reaffirm our collective commitment to achieving health equity, genuine partnership and Closing the Gap.”
What to look for next?
The office will continue supporting stronger patient engagement and culturally safe care across the hospital.
Its role as a one-stop hub may also help improve coordination, feedback and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and families.
