The health centre is an aboriginal community-controlled health service which has been delivering primary healthcare within the Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire in Far North Queensland since 2000.
Gurriny Yealamucka means ‘good healing’ in the language of the Gunggandji Peoples of Yarrabah.
A 10-year celebration
The anniversary was acknowledged during a gathering of community and government leaders, including the Hon Linda Burney, Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council Councillor Amy Neal, Gurriny Yealamucka leadership, PGA’s National President Professor Trent Twomey, health staff, invited guests and community members.
Attendees came together to recognise the pharmacy’s contribution to Yarrabah over the past decade.
The pharmacy
Since opening in 2015, Yarrabah Pharmacy has grown into a dependable, community-based hub for everyday medical needs, prescriptions, trusted advice and essential medicines, supporting thousands of local families to access care close to home.
Owned and operated by Prof Twomey, the pharmacy is regarded as an example of what is possible when Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and pharmacy providers work in genuine partnership.
Prof Twomey thanked the board of Gurriny Yealamucka Health Services for partnering with him over the last decade, “so the people of Yarrabah can get the same high-quality services as those people on the other side of this land”.
Over the past 10 years, the pharmacy has dispensed thousands of prescriptions, supported preventative health initiatives and played a key role in chronic disease management and vaccination programs, including Gurriny Yealamucka’s nationally recognised COVID19 response.
The milestone event celebrated the pharmacy’s journey so far and reaffirmed a shared commitment to the future of community-controlled healthcare in Yarrabah.
Photo credit: Michael Warren, Media and Communications Officer, Gurriny Yealamucka Health Services
