Kingaroy’s newest yarning circle opened to the acclaim of Indigenous and non-Indigenous community leaders alike.
The eight-seat structure at the back of the Kingaroy Medicare Mental Health Centre on Kingaroy Street was the centrepiece of a grand opening ceremony on 8 December.
Representatives of the Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire and South Burnett Regional councils attended the event, where they were joined by Wakka Wakka elder Florence Bell, KMMHC staff and Open Minds chief executive officer Karen Hale-Robertson.
Those present heard about the importance of a yarning circle as a community structure.
“We recognise that a yarning circle is a culturally significant practice, rooted in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditions,” Ms Hale-Robertson said.
“[W]e want the Kingaroy Medicare Mental Health Centre yarning circle to be a safe, and non-judgmental environment where participants can share stories, feelings and experiences.
“This is crucial in mental health settings because it fosters trust and reduces stigma around discussing mental health challenges.
“[It is] a place of social connection, where a sense of belonging is promoted – which we know helps to reduce isolation and improve emotional wellbeing,” Ms Hale-Robertson said.
“The yarning circle was designed to be quite bright and colourful with the view of making it an inviting space for all,” explained KMMHC site lead Jackie Roberts.
“The design represents the working together of many community services for the one, united goal of a successful mental health outcome for the region.”
Ms Roberts explained that the circle’s eight hand-painted seats have a dual meaning: their sides depicting various native animals stand for different approaches to community service, while their tops represent seated individuals going on the shared journey of understanding by having a yarn.
“To have a safe and healthy community, no matter who you are or where you have come from, the yarning circle is a place to yarn without fear [and] judgment,” Ms Roberts said.
“Everybody at the yarning circle is equal and has an equal importance to have input and conversation (…),” she added.
“We all know that mental health does not discriminate against anybody,” Wakka Wakka elder and Native Title applicant Florence Bell told those attending the ceremony on 8 December.
“So, hopefully we can get through everything with this [yarning circle], by working together,” she said.
Luritja man Peter Curtis, a previous client at the KMMHC who now works as the facility’s groundskeeper, further expanded on the meaning of the new community structure.
“The importance of a yarning circle, as an initiated man, is that this is lore,” he explained.
“We sit around and we talk as elders of our community to work out what’s best for our community.
“[T]his [yarning circle] is only going to better this community,” Mr Curtis said.
“This is a good start, a perfect start. Men, women of all ages: just come.”
The concept of shared understanding has also found a fan in South Burnett mayor Kathy Duff, who spoke at the opening ceremony.
“I just love the concept of the yarning circle,” she said.
“We’ve been using it a lot in our council- and community meetings: everybody is equal, that’s what’s beautiful. It’s a great way to include everybody.”
Those attending the 8 December event were treated to a performance by Cherbourg’s Wakka Wakka Dancers and morning tea.
