Cook MP David Kempton catches up with Wujal Wujal Justice Group director and Traditional Owner Kathleen Walker. Photo: Supplied.
The Member for Cook says he welcomes a further $3 million investment by the Queensland Government to support the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as NAIDOC Week celebrations come to a close across Cape York.
The Wujal Wujal Justice Group is one of seven organisations across the state to receive a 2025 First Nations Social and Emotional Wellbeing grant, along with the Queensland Mental Health Commission.
The initiative will support community members with key services and emotional wellbeing programs such as on-Country cultural activities, traditional hunting and gathering, storytelling and yarning, and camping out on traditional homelands.
Cook MP David Kempton said he was pleased to see a Cape York entity amongst the grant recipients.
“Alongside major funding for the Queensland Mental Health Commission, I’m pleased to see targeted grants supporting local organisations in Wujal Wujal – ensuring mental health support reaches those who need it most,” he said.
Wujal Wujal Justice Group Indigenous Corporation chief executive officer Joh Anthonis, on behalf of the organisation’s board, said the increased funding for their Healing On Country program was “absolutely welcomed”.
Traditional Owner and Wujal Wujal Justice Group director Kathleen Walker said the community was still recovering after devastating floods from ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper swept through the community and cut off the region in December 2023.
“It has been very tough returning to our community and the same homes that were flooded,” she said.
“The water took so much from us; most of the houses have now been fixed, but the damage is not just in the buildings – it is in our bubu (Country) and our wawu (spirit).
“The fear is still here, deep in our hearts, and the rain brings us bad memories; I am grateful for the support we now have from the Queensland Government, but healing will take time.”
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Fiona Simpson said the funding addressed Closing the Gap target 14 by supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to have high levels of social and emotional wellbeing.
“By providing these grants directly to organisations working in local communities, we are supporting local leaders and empowering local decision-making to drive real outcomes in improved mental health,” she said.
