Community members of all ages are invited to the Aurukun Health Expo on Wednesday 8 October. Photo: Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service.
Looking after your health can sometimes be overwhelming, but the Aurukun Health Expo on Wednesday 8 October hopes to make it fun and simple for all ages.
The inaugural event will deliver a range of interactive activities designed to educate the community on health risks and the culturally safe care provided by the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS).
TCHHS executive director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health Reece Griffin said the expo would include practical activities, health and wellness presentations by TCHHS staff, plus a cooking demonstration.
“Improving health in our communities isn’t just about the delivery of clinical services, it’s about helping educate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people so they can make their own informed choices about their health and wellbeing,” he said.
“Unfortunately, we know there is a high burden of chronic disease in our communities and we hope events like these can be another way we can work towards our ultimate goal of Closing the Gap.
“We want to make this expo a regular event on the calendar in Aurukun and would love to see as many of the community there as possible.”
AFL and nutrition sessions will also be conducted at the local school for the younger community members.
“We wanted to create an event that would really engage the community with hands-on experiences to share these important health messages,” Mr Griffin said.
“This event is designed to have something for people of all ages, from school students who can learn about the benefits of exercise and nutrition, through to our Elders.”
This year’s message, Healthy Bodies, Healthy Community, is supported by Aurukun Shire Council, Apunipima Cape York Health Council, AFL Cape York and the Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation.
“I encourage the whole Aurukun community to get involved because learning about our health and ways we can improve it is so important for our people,” Aurukun Shire Council Deputy Mayor Craig Koomeeta said.
“I congratulate TCHHS for putting this together and look forward to finding other opportunities to work together to improve health outcomes for the people of Aurukun.”
The Aurukun Health Expo will run from 9 am outside the Island and Cape Supermarket.
