Anne Marie Black
Pharmacist, Cairns Hospital
"There are too many positive life changes since moving from the UK. We can pick up the kids and head straight to the beach every day".
 |
Location: 1,680km north of Brisbane, 37km south of Cairns
Yarrabah is an intimate Aboriginal community which lies south east of Cairns. The first Yarrabah Community Aboriginal Council was established in 1965 and in 1986 the Yarrabah Community Council became self governing after receiving a Deed of Grant in Trust. Magnificently located on the beach with access to the rainforest, Yarrabah residents enjoy all the outdoor adventures this remote location has to offer in the year-round warm weather of tropical North Queensland.
As a health professional, you will likely be working from the Yarrabah Primary Care Clinic.
The Yarrabah Health Service is managed under a collocated Primary Health care model with Queensland Health and Gurriny Yealamucka Aboriginal Community Controlled Health services. A $16.2 million redevelopment project that was completed in 2010.
The Primary Care Clinic is open from Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm with 24 hour emergency care. Services provided include accident and emergency, general practice, drug administration and supply, immunisation, wound care and pathology.
Primary health care programs available include women’s health, child health, mental health, sexual health, health promotion, social health programs and alcohol tobacco and other drugs services.
A strong chronic disease management program is available at the Health centrre.
Visiting services include obstetrics/gynaecology, paediatrics, optometry, psychiatry, psychology, dental, occupational therapy (child & adult), thoracic, social work, nutrition services, ear nose and throat medicine, physiotherapy medicine and radiology.
Other services include Home and Community Care, environmental health, Yarrabah Aged Care Hostel, Gindaja – Rehabilitation Centre, Yarrabah Aged Care Facility and the Yarrabah Council.
Yarrabah is a relatively young Indigenous community, with over 50% of the population in Yarrabah being under the age of 24 years old. The community has traditionally had a high level of unemployment. However, education is strongly encouraged and one in five of the community have post school qualifications.
Yarrabah has access to modern telecommunications and a few facilities such as, a small local run supermarket, two fast food outlets, service station and public
library. For most other commercial needs, people need to travel 35 km to Gordonvale or Edmonton. The road into the community is sealed and offers reliable access all year round.
Due to the tropical climate, Yarrabah experiences generally warm wet summers and mild dry winters.
The Yarrabah locals are very supportive of their rugby league football team, the
Sea Hawks, who participate in the Cairns and District Rugby League competition. Yarrabah is ideal for the outdoor enthusiast with access to beautiful beaches and rainforest. Recreational activities around the community include fishing, swimming and bush walking. Yarrabah offers a challenging and unique experience and is within reach of regional centre conveniences.
Alcohol restrictions are in place in Yarrabah. For more information visit the
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services website.
The Menmuny Museum was officially opened in 1996. Visitors to the museum are introduced to Yarrabah from its inception by Reverend Ernest Gribble in 1892 to the present day. Artefacts, photos, as well as many other historical documents relating to Yarrabah's turbulent beginning are displayed. There is also a boardwalk which is situated behind the Museum; the staff will show you native trees which were used for bush tucker (food) and medicines. Be sure to check out the variety of stock produced within the community available to purchase including T-shirts, boomerangs, spears, woomeras, didgeridoos, pottery, flower pots, cups,
plates, vases, tea tree oil and stocking flowers.
Services
Sporting & Recreation
Queensland Health facility address
Fast Facts
Other languages