Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service staff and Aurukun Deputy Mayor Craig Koomeeta (right) at the 2025 Aurukun Health Expo. Photo: Supplied.
A highly successful health education event, held in Aurukun last year, is expanding to support more communities across the region with three additional expos.
The inaugural Health Expo in Aurukun attracted hundreds of local residents keen to learn about health risks and the culturally safe care available from Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service (TCHHS).
The first Health Expo of 2026 will be held in Aurukun on 11 June, followed by Kowanyama on 8 July. Two more events will be held further north later this year, with teams currently discussing Bamaga and Erub (Darnley) Island as possible host locations.
TCHHS acting executive director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health Jennie Toonen said the success of the 2025 Aurukun Health Expo was only the beginning.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
Ms Toonen said the expos were about working with communities to put health at the forefront for years to come.
“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,” she said.
“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.
