Schools, community organisations, and government departments in Mackay have been proud to display their Yuwi banners.

The initiative, funded by the Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) in partnership with the Yuwi Aboriginal Corporation, has gained prominence in the region since its inception in 2018.

Currently, there are 105 NQPHN Yuwi banners prominently displayed across various institutions in Mackay, including schools, kindergartens, childcare centers, universities, libraries, government offices, hospitals, disability agencies, youth centers, aged care facilities, Queensland Police stations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical services and corporations, neighborhood hubs, churches, general practices, and the Mackay airport.

Philip Kemp, a respected Traditional Custodian Elder for the Mackay region, emphasised the significance of acknowledging the land's name and the history of its people for both locals and visitors.

"For me personally, the banners are recognition that the traditional custodians looked after the land and each other, and that they had their traditional lores that governed the way they lived," he said.

"When people read the story on the banner, they are very appreciative of the fact that the Traditional Custodians cared for the land for many thousands of years prior to settlement in the 1860s.

"I would like to see the story on the banner permanently displayed in public spaces so everyone knows the Aboriginal history of Mackay."

Mr Kemp, serving as the Cultural Practice Program Facilitator for the Mackay Hospital and Health Service's (HHS's) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Unit, incorporates the banner into his training sessions at the HHS.

"I use the banner when I deliver Cultural Practice training to Mackay HHS staff," he said.

"It's well received and many people are interested in learning the history of the Yuwi people."

NQPHN Executive Director Health System Integration and Innovation Karin Barron, noted the widespread popularity of the banners among local community groups and organisations, highlighting the emotional resonance they evoke among the Yuwi people.

"NQPHN is very passionate about this project as the banners help to raise awareness of and celebrates Mackay's First Nations People, the Yuwi People, who have told us that the banners make them feel proud, seen and heard," Ms Barron said.

"The banners also help organisations build relationships and make new connections within our community to promote and advocate the untold history and culture of the Yuwi People.

"We know how important it is to showcase the history of our First Nations Peoples and we will continue to work closely with the Yuwibara, Traditional Owners, and Yuwi Aboriginal Corporation to keep the banners current and relevant."

NQPHN chief executive Sean Rooney underscored the project's importance as a collaborative effort within the community.

"Making sure all people in North Queenslanders lead happier, healthy, longer lives is what we strive for, and the good health of any community needs a community focus and collaboration," Mr Rooney said.

"The 2024 Yuwi banner update saw collaboration with the Yuwi community, and we are proud to have worked with local Yuwi People, Traditional Custodians, and organisations who work with the Yuwibara People in the Mackay region to share their knowledge, traditions, stories, and pictures on this banner."

Recently, the updated banners were formally presented by Mr Rooney, Ms Barron, and Mr Kemp to local community groups and health organisations that had submitted Expressions of Interest to receive the updated banners.