Kowanyama Renal turns one

Read time

Two women pose for a photo, in a clinical room.
Liz Hitchcock, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioner and Nina Smith, Clinical Nurse Consultant at Kowanyama Primary Health Care Centre.

It’s been one year since the Kowanyama Renal Dialysis Unit opened its doors, and behind the scenes of this service is a team of passionate, skilled, and deeply committed health professionals who’ve made it all possible.

From the very first dialysis session to today, our Kowanyama team has supported up to 28 patients each week—bringing care closer to home and helping people reconnect with family, culture, and country.

Nina Smith, Clinical Nurse Consultant, reflects on the journey: “It’s a joy to see community members return home after years away. We’ve also been able to support families here on Sorry Business, so they can return to community to support their family.”

Liz Hitchcock, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioner, shares what it means to be part of the team: “Being part of this service means more than just delivering care. We’re building trust, helping our people stay strong, stay home and stay connected.”

Dale Josiah, local Kowanyama resident and patient, says it best: “This centre gave me my life back. I can go walking, hunting, fishing—and be there for my kids. The nurses here are like family.”

Thank you to our Kowanyama team for your incredible work and commitment to care. You’re making a difference every day.