The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Public Health Program plays a critical role in improving health and wellbeing across Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The Cairns Public Health Unit (CPHU) supports program delivery across 29 communities and 11 local councils throughout the Torres Strait Islands and Cape York. This work is achieved through strong collaboration with local government personnel, particularly Environmental Health Workers (EHWs) and Animal Management Workers (AMWs). The program focuses on building local capacity by providing training, mentoring, and advocacy to strengthen environmental health and animal management services within communities.
CPHU partners with councils and community members to identify local priorities, deliver targeted education, and support culturally informed approaches to public health. Regular engagement, workshops, and community support visits have enhanced local skills and increased confidence among EHWs and AMWs. This collaborative model promotes shared learning, community ownership, and sustainable workforce development.
This presentation will outline the processes undertaken by CPHU to strengthen partnerships, provide tailored support, and deliver location-specific training that empowers the local workforce to address environmental and public health challenges and improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across the Torres Strait Islands and Cape York.