Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised this article includes the name and image of a deceased person.
RBWH remembers trailblazing cancer care volunteer
Family and RBWH staff recently gathered to honour Maureen Kirk
Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) has unveiled a memorial to honour pioneering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cancer support worker Maureen Kirk.
During her short 45-year life, Maureen Kirk became Australia’s first cancer support worker for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. While Maureen passed away in 2001, her legacy lives on at RBWH and across Australia.
Maureen’s daughter, Natasha Bond, shares some of her beloved mum’s inspiring story.
“Mum was first diagnosed with breast cancer at age 31. At the time, there was a lack of culturally appropriate care available for mob in the mainstream health system,” Natasha said.
“This experience motivated her to turn her battle into a determination to improve cancer care for other Indigenous women.”
Maureen’s advocacy helped her forge strong relationships across Queensland Health, cancer screening services, academic institutions, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
“Mum fought for our women to have better access to cancer services, including prevention, screening, treatment and support,” Natasha said.
Uncle Hughie attended the recent event at RBWH to remember his wife, Maureen Kirk.
“In 2000, she was awarded a Queensland Health Outstanding Achievement Award for her contribution to her community.”
To mark Maureen’s legacy, RBWH staff gathered with her family on the 25th anniversary of her passing to unveil a plaque in her honour.
RBWH’s Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, Roslyn Boland, credits Maureen’s legacy for changes to how members of this community access health services.
“Much of what has been achieved in how communities access cancer services today has been drawn from Maureen’s advocacy and determination to make a difference,” Roslyn said.
“We owe her a debt of gratitude, and her legacy lives on. It was an honour to recently host her beloved husband, Uncle Hughie, and family at RBWH to remember her life and many achievements.”
Maureen was again diagnosed with cancer in 2000 and passed away the following year after battling the disease.
The plaque honouring the life and legacy of Maureen Kirk is displayed in the foyer of RBWH
Cancer Care Services on level 4 of the Joyce Tweddell Building.