Celebrating 25 years of Yallarwah Place

20 February 2024

​​Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, their families and community are today celebrating the 25th anniversary of Yallarwah Place, a vital community hub for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who need to travel to John Hunter Hospital for medical care.

Since 1999, Yallarwah Place has been a source of solace, support, and comfort for thousands of patients and their families across the Hunter New England Local Health District since its inception.

Yallarwah Place is a great example of the NSW Government’s focus on closing the gap, by ensuring health care facilities across the state better meet the cultural needs of Aboriginal patients and their families.

The hub was established by creator and publisher of Novocastrian Tales, Paul F. Walsh OAM and Susan Harvey, and Deputy Head of the Wollotuka Institute at the University of Newcastle, Dr Raymond Kelly whose ongoing advocacy for reconciliation continues to have a lasting impact in the Hunter community.

On the grounds of John Hunter Hospital, the site includes Uncle Bob’s accommodation centre (named after Aboriginal Elder, the late Robert Smith), as well as the Bicentenary Memorial Walk and Circle of Reflection.

Restoration work is also underway on the Yallarwah Place site, which will ensure the continued support to patients, their families and communities for many years to come. This work builds on the District’s commitment to strengthening connections with local Aboriginal communities and Local Aboriginal Land Councils.​

​ Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“Yallarwah Place is a really important part of John Hunter Hospital, because it offers patients and their loved ones a warm, culturally inviting place to stay while they get the health care they need,”

“It’s offered thousands of patients and their families a comfortable place to stay while accessing treatment at John Hunter Hospital, which is understandably very welcome because it is one less thing to be stressed about while they or their loved one is unwell.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley:

“The Hunter has long been known for its commitment to strengthening and maintaining relationships with Aboriginal people, and Yallarwah Place plays a vital role in acknowledging the past to allow for healing and reconciliation,”

“It’s incredible to see both old and new supporters come together today to revitalise the Bicentenary Memorial Walk and Uncle Bob’s accommodation centre, which will soon be restored.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris:

“Meaning ‘resting place’ in Awabakal language, Yallarwah Place features one of the earliest combined memorials for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in this country,”

“As a significant site for many Aboriginal people, Yallarwah Place reflects reconciliation and our shared journey together.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery:

“Today’s anniversary event recognises the significance of this place to the Hunter community,”

“The restoration works to Yallarwah Place will ensure Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal families from across the Hunter and Northern NSW will be able to benefit from the incredible facility for many years to come.”

Quotes attributable to HNELHD Executive Director of Infrastructure, Planning and Sustainability Dr Ramsey Awad:

“We implement Design with Country frameworks across all our infrastructure activities; establishing shared decision-making, embedding cultural knowledge, and ensuring that safety and respect are paramount throughout each stage of a project,”

“We work in collaboration with the Local Aboriginal Land Councils to ensure cultural protocols are followed, making sure Country is respected and stakeholder consultation has taken place.”