UNDER the loft boughs of the Mount Isa Healing Tree, health workers, members of the community, Kalkadoon elders and politicians joined to commemorate its significance in the North West.
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Planted 60 years ago by midwife Shirley Richardson, the tree came to be a meeting place for Indigenous and Torres Strait Islanders from Mount Isa and areas beyond in the Gulf and Northern Territory.
On the second day of NAIDOC Week, North West Hospital and Health Service (HHS)?board chairman Paul Woodhouse unveiled the plaque and newly constructed decking around the base of the tree, now named Murtupuni Yapatjarra Nganthi.
Mr Woodhouse said he wanted to thank those people who cared for the tree and continued to celebrate the early vision of Mrs Richardson, whose family and friends were in the crowd to mark the occasion.
"The healing tree is a place to meet, to yarn and to heal during good times and during sad times," he said.
"If this tree could talk it would tell many stories. Seeing family and friends excitedly awaiting the birth of babies, seeing each other through the hard times and witnessing major events in people's lives.
"Simply through the early vision of a community group and Shirley Richardson this tree has played a significant role in the lives of many people."
The ceremony was opened with a welcome to country by Kalkadoon elders Uncle Clive Sam and Uncle Ron Page and a blessing by Uncle Peter Smith.
Health Workers Maggie Murtagh, Noela Baigrie and Rhonda Tim were also recognised for their service to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health at the ceremony and asked to cut the special NAIDOC-themed chocolate cake.
North West HHS staff member Cat Burn, who coordinated the renovation of the healing tree, said yesterday people were able to remember those who had wept and laughed under the same branches.
"I'd like to acknowledge the Indigenous group that actively worked and consulted with others to not only maintain this tree but ensure that the tree would remain a place and space that supports and honours all those that have been before us and brings life to those who come after us," she said.
"Her (Shirley Richardson's) legacy lives on through her own children who work in health and care for their own and other children in the community, in our health workers and health professionals and in each of you who support families and prop up support networks day by day.
North West HHS chief executive Sue Belsham, State Member for Mount Isa Rob Katter and Mount Isa mayor Tony McGrady also took the stage to recognise the significance of the healing tree and speak about closing the gap and bringing health care to more Indigenous residents in the district.
- Story and pictures: HAILEY RENAULT/7801
