Ensuring mothers and their babies get the best health care possible is something that the small Aboriginal community of Kowanyama in far north Queensland prides itself on.

Late last year the community celebrated the official opening of the refurbished Mums ‘n’ Bubs Family Health Centre with speeches, a traditional smoking ceremony and a barbeque lunch.

The centre was officially opened by Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor, Robert Holness and Apunipima Cape York Health Council Chair, Thomas Hudson.

The Kowanyama Health Action Team named the new facility Atharpuch, meaning ‘children’.

CEO Cleveland Fagan said the official opening marked an important milestone for Kowanyama.

“We are pleased and proud to have officially opened the Atharpuch centre,” Cleveland said.

“Investment in health infrastructure in Kowanyama and the Cape is critical to improving the health of residents and we acknowledge the contribution of the Australian Government’s Health and Hospital Fund which enabled the refurbishment of the Mums ‘n’ Bubs building.

“Atharpuch has a special room for the Kowanyama Health Action team to meet and discuss the health needs of the community and share those needs with us.”

Cleveland said the Centre would work with the community and Apunipima to ensure Atharpuch programs meet local health needs.

“Apunipima runs a range of fantastic health promotion programs including mums ‘n’ bubs group, antenatal clinics and classes, men’s and women’s groups, healthy eating and cooking classes, tackling smoking and many more.

“We are in the process of planning our service schedule to best meet the needs of the Kowanyama community, “Cleveland said.