Following a successful first Health Expo in Kowanyama last month, Bamaga is next to host the event empowering community members to take control of their wellbeing. Photo: Facebook (Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service).
Bamaga is the next stop on the map for an empowering health event promoting whole-of-community engagement across Cape York.
The Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) community will host its inaugural Health Expo on 26 August as part of Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service’s (TCHHS) expansion of the program following a highly successful first run in Aurukun in 2025.
The service announced earlier this year that the Health Expo would travel to support more communities, with highly attended events in Aurukun and Kowanyama already setting the tone for NPA locals keen to learn about health risks and culturally safe care available.
TCHHS executive director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health Reece Griffin said the event highlighted the importance of empowering communities to take control of their health.
“This is an opportunity for the communities of Northern Peninsula Area to come together with their families, learn, and share knowledge about health and wellbeing,” he said.
“Our aim is to provide culturally safe and meaningful advice that families can use to improve their health at home.
“It’s about building on the local knowledge that already exists in the community.”
The free event is set to bring community members of all ages together through activities by AFL Cape York, interactive workshops, health screenings, information sessions, gift bags and more.
In addition, the health service’s custom-built mobile dental van will also be available on-site, supporting the promotion of oral health, prevention, early detection and better oral health outcomes for community.
Health partners such as NPA Family and Community Services, Community Enterprise Queensland and Mookai Rosie Bi-Bayan will be present to provide support and resources.
TCHHS executive general manager northern sector Marita Sagigi said the Health Expo was a great example of what could be achieved when organisations worked collaboratively to support the health and wellbeing of people living in remote communities.
“By bringing trusted health information, services and practical resources directly into the community, we are helping people feel informed, empowered and confident to make decisions about their health and the health of their families,” she said.
The Health Expo will take place on Wednesday 26 August from 10 am at the Bamaga Community Hall. A free shuttle bus service will be available from 9 am.
