Australian South Sea Islander Flag Raised In Historic Ceremony

Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS) has recognised the valuable contribution of
the Australian South Sea Islander community at a flag-raising ceremony held at
Mackay Base Hospital last week.

Representatives from Australian South Sea Islander organisations QUASSIC
(Queensland United Australian South Sea Islander Council) and MADASSIA (Mackay
and District Australian South Sea Islander Association) as well as other members of
this community joined Mackay HHS leaders for the event.

As the first Australian South Sea Islander elected councillor for Mackay Regional Council, Councillor Namarca Corowa said it was a very surreal moment to witness this historic occasion.

“I believe this event is deeply significant for the Mackay region, which has the largest population of Australian South Sea Islanders in the country,” Cr Corowa said.

Cr Corowa was one of the speakers at the flag raising and he said that more than 60,000 islanders, primarily from Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands, were brought to work in the sugar industry.

“Their labour significantly contributed to Queensland's early economic development,” he said.

“Australian South Sea Islanders were formally recognised by the federal government in 1994, and it took until the year 2000 for recognition by the Queensland State Government, just 24 years ago.

“Thank you to Mackay Base Hospital for acknowledging our Australian South Sea Islander heritage and community.”

Mackay Hospital and Health Board Chair Helen Darch said the occasion was a
symbolic representation of a spirit of inclusion.

“We are recognising the significant contributions of South Sea Islanders and their descendants to the development and the ongoing strength of our region,” Ms Darch said.

“Raising the Australian South Sea Islander flag here today is also a further acknowledgement of the sad historic treatment and care provided at a Pacific Islander Hospital on these grounds more than 130 years ago.

“Today is about the future and our continued commitment to developing further
understanding so that we can provide the services and care that members of our
Australian South Sea Islander community need.

“Raising this flag is a visual reminder of our commitment to care and inclusion.”

The ceremony’s MC Jeanette Morgan invited representatives to stand in front of the
five flags representing Australia, Queensland, Aboriginal, Torres Strait and Australian
South Sea Islander peoples – and the lowered flags were raised together in a spirit
of unity and inclusion.

QUASSIC director and manager of Yamadi Lera Yumi Meta Association Elizabeth
Warren also attended the event.

“This is a very proud day for the Mackay South Sea Islander community because the
flag is a visual reminder of the endurance, hard work and strength of our forefathers,”
Ms Warren said.

“But foremost it is now showing the need to move forward proudly, in strength and
unity, working with Mackay Hospital and Health Service to empower Australian South
Sea Islander people to be good caretakers of their own health and that of their
families.”

Mackay HHS raised the Australian South Sea Islander flag, honouring the community's contributions, resilience, and unity while committing to inclusion, understanding, and improved health services for future generations. Photo credit: Cr Namarca Corowa

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