Summary
- Health Expos expanding region‑wide
- Strong community involvement with local councils and partners.
- Focus is on long‑term wellbeing to empower communities to improve lifelong health.
Aurukun will host the first of four Health Expo events next week as Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service expands the successful program across the region.
The inaugural Expo was held in Aurukun last year with hundreds of local residents attending to take part in interactive events promoting positive health messages.
The Aurukun expo will be held next Thursday 11 June, with Kowanyama to host the second event on 8 July.
Two further Expos will be held in our Northern sector later this year with teams discussing the possibility of Bamaga and Erub (Darnley) Island.
TCHHS Acting Executive Director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Jennie Toonen said the events were being strongly supported by local councils and health partners in each of these communities.
“These Expos are a chance for us to help educate the community on health risks and the
culturally safe care provided by Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service,” she said.
“It was fantastic to see how engaged the community – from young children through to Elders – were in all of the activities in Aurukun last year and we’re looking forward to a bigger and better event this year.
“Improving health in our communities isn’t just about the delivery of clinical services – it’s about walking alongside our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities as they take ownership of their health journey.
“These Expos are about showing people simple, practical ways they can look after their health and wellbeing at home, in ways that are meaningful to them, their families and their culture.
“We know the strength is already in our communities. Our role is to support, share knowledge and create opportunities for people to make informed choices that will have lasting impacts.
“This work is bigger than today – it’s about the next generation, and the generations yet to be born. Everything we do is about creating a healthier future that our children and grandchildren can grow into.
“I can’t wait to get out and about with our communities and I know that all of our Torres and Cape teams have the same passion and enthusiasm – it’s going to be deadly.”
Aurukun Shire Council Deputy Mayor Craig Koomeeta has been one of the local champions of the Expo since its inception, and said the event was a tremendous opportunity to connect residents with health experts in their own backyard.
“Council is proud to support this initiative, and it's great to see the Health Expo back in Aurukun,” he said.
“I encourage the whole community to get involved, because learning about our health, and ways we can improve it, is so important for our people.
“Council will continue to actively work together with key stakeholders like TCHHS to improve health outcomes for the people of Aurukun.”
Health partners Mookai Rosie Bi-Bayan and Apunipima Cape York Health Council will both be part of the Aurukun event, while TCHHS partner AFL Cape York will attend and run activities at all four Expos.