Summary
- Thursday Island hosts inaugural Health Expo on 8 October.
- Expo promotes culturally safe health education and connection.
Thursday Island is set to host its inaugural Health Expo on Thursday 8 October as part of the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service initiative to expand its successful program across the Torres Strait, Northern Peninsula Area and Cape York region.
This marks the first time the Health Expo will be held on Thursday Island, following the success of the Bamaga event held last month.
The Healthy Bodies, Healthy Community Expo aims to bring the community together to promote positive health messages through interactive activities and culturally safe health education.
The Torres Shire Council and TCHHS’s health partners have been instrumental in supporting the event, ensuring it meets the unique needs of the local community.
TCHHS Executive Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Reece Griffin said events like this are more than just providing health information, they are about building relationships, creating opportunities for people to connect with health professionals and making health services more accessible to the community.
“The goal is to provide a culturally safe space for people of all ages to learn, ask questions and take positive steps towards improving their health close to home. It’s about building on the strengths and health knowledge that already exist in the community.”
The Expo will feature a range of activities and health services, including interactive workshops, health screenings, and information sessions.
Health partners such as Torres Health, Wakai Waian, TAFE Queensland, Torres Strait Regional Authority, Torres Strait Islander Indigenous Nurses Corporation, Port Kennedy Association Incorporated, Community Enterprise Queensland (CEQ) and Mookai Rosie Bi-Bayan will be present to provide support and resources.
AFL Cape York will also participate, running activities for attendees of all ages.
TCHHS Executive General Manager Northern Sector Marita Sagigi said the health expo is a great example of what is possible when health services and local partners and agencies come together with a shared purpose.
“We know that the best health outcomes are achieved when we listen to our communities and work alongside them. This expo is a great example of that approach in action”.
“Our commitment is to continue bringing practical and trusted health information directly into the community, helping people feel empowered and confident to make decisions about their own health, and the health of their families”, she said.
Torres Shire Council Mayor Elsie Seriat OAM said the community was looking forward to the event.
“We are very supportive of this new community health initiative and excited to host the inaugural Thursday Island Health Expo,” Mayor Seriat said.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for our community to connect with health professionals in a relaxed, welcoming and culturally safe environment, while learning practical ways we can all improve our health and wellbeing."
“We are proud to partner with TCHHS and look forward to seeing everyone there.”
The inaugural Thursday Island Health Expo is open to all community members and promises to be a day filled with learning, fun, and connection.
Event details
Thursday 8 October 11am – 2pm
Anzac Park - all welcome