Acknowledgement of Country

Acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the Land in Taringa, Brisbane.

At Westside Private Hospital, we respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we stand, the Turubul people, who speak the Yugara language. We honour their deep connection to this land, its waters, and the community, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

We recognise that the suburb of Taringa, where our hospital is located, derives its name from the Aboriginal words tarau (stones) and nga (made up of), meaning “place of stones.” Before European settlement, the Turubul people thrived in this rich environment, sustained by an abundance of food resources, including 140 species of native plants and over 50 types of marine, river, and land animals. The Taringa area was also known for its natural springs, which were significant in Aboriginal healing practices and served as a health camp during early colonial times.

We also acknowledge the cultural significance of surrounding areas, including Toowong (Tu-wong), Ku-dhe (Mt Coot-tha), meaning dark native bee honey, and Indooroopilly, thought to mean “gully of running water” (Yindurupilli) or “gully of the leeches” (Nyindur-pilly).

As part of the Nexus Hospitals Group, we are committed to working with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to understand and support their cultural and healthcare needs. Through ongoing training, education, and policy development, we aim to foster a culturally safe and inclusive environment for all. We believe that acknowledging and respecting diverse cultures is integral to building a more united and equitable future for all Australians.

Our hospital honours the rich cultural heritage and ongoing contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, whose cultures are among the oldest in the world and remain vibrant, dynamic, and vital to the identity of this land.

Disclaimer: We are committed to consulting with local Aboriginal communities to ensure the ongoing accuracy and respectfulness of this information. For any updates or feedback, please contact our General Manager.