LOCAL jarjums (children) were welcomed to the community at Beaudesert Hospital’s first Birthing Ceremony in a milestone connecting healthcare and culture.
The initiative was led by Administration Officer Amy Kreher, a proud First Nations woman, with guidance from Mununjali Elders Aunty Gerry Page and Aunty Janis Page.
Invitations to the ceremony, considered women’s business, were extended to all First Nations babies born with Beaudesert maternity services this year.
“The ceremony represents the introduction of new life to the community and a shared commitment between families and community to support jarjums in learning traditional ways,” Ms Kreher said.
The ceremony took place at the hospital’s Gathering Circle, which has also been the site of NAIDOC Week, Reconciliation Day and Close the Gap events. The space has also been used as a place of passing for some First Nations locals.
Ms Kreher said hosting a Birthing Ceremony there completed the circle of life.
She said the ceremony was timed to coincide with the traditional Mununjali Mullet Run.
“This is where the men would leave Mununjali Country to trade with tribes near the coast while their pregnant wives stayed home,” she said.
“When they returned in late August or September, the babies had been born. They brought back mullet, which gave new mothers important nutrients like iron, zinc and potassium to help them recover.”
She explained it also aligned with the birthing season for many animals, further strengthening the connection between people, land and nature.
Beaudesert Hospital Facility Manager Marg Wendt said the ceremony strengthened trust and cultural safety.
“This is about honouring the bond between families and community in raising the next generation,” she said.
“By supporting traditions like this, we help our Mununjali community feel heard and connected, while also breaking down barriers to care at the hospital.”
