Kuranda Paper  – PDF version with photos (Page 21)

Aged Care & Disabilities: Ngoonbi’s CHSP (Commonwealth Home Support Program) is delivered across the regions of Kuranda, Mareeba, Atherton and Mt Garnet. CHSP assists clients over 65+ years, and 50+ years for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, or those at risk of homelessness, to remain at home and live independently. Ngoonbi Services include Domestic Assistance, Yard Maintenance, Personal Care, Individual and Group Social Support, Flexible Respite, Shopping, Meal Preparation – your food, your way, Meal Delivery and Transportation. For more information contact the local Kuranda CHSP Team.

Centrelink Agency: If you require remote access to Centrelink, Ngoonbi has computers, phones, and free internet access available. Ngoonbi Centrelink access allows you to manage claims, upload documents, or check payments. Ngoonbi Administration staff are trained and ready to guide you through the online process.

Emergency Relief: available to those in crisis. This can include food vouchers, fuel vouchers or assistance with essential bills (e.g. electricity). Other support can include referrals for financial counselling. When applying for emergency relief, you will be asked to provide documentation of eligibility to be able to complete the application.

Housing & Projects: Ngoonbi and Housing & Public Works recently celebrated the construction and completion of four quality dwellings at Kullaroo Close. The four homes have now been tenanted, and tenants are really enjoying their homes. We look forward to the official opening of the houses with Elders, HPW – Housing & Public Works, Community Housing, and distinguished guests after the wet season.

Transport Assist: (by appointment). Ngoonbi provides transport services for appointments and to essential services within the local area. Community members are advised that if urgent assistance is required, bookings should be made at least 48 hours in advance to ensure availability.

Ngoonbi Community Programs: Our Community Programs Team has kicked off the new year with a range of activities, including school holiday programs, afterschool programs, fitness and cultural activities, IDLU (Indigenous Drivers Licencing Unit), Parenting & Community Workshops, Men’s & Women’s Group and a number of in-school programs. To source further information and to find out more about upcoming events, visit the ‘Ngoonbi Kuranda’ Facebook page.

AOD (Alcohol and Other Drugs): Harm minimisation and reduction activities include counselling, referrals to clinical services and rehabilitation. Men’s and Women’s group occurs fortnightly for opportunities to gather, yarn, learn and connect without judgment.

BIBI YUNGAN: Supports families and children to have a good start in life through early childhood development, care, education and school readiness. Weekly Playgroup for 0 to 5-year olds, every Tuesday at the Kuranda Neighbourhood Centre. Weekly KDSC and Bibi Yungan delivery of intensive reading sessions, Bama Role Model sessions, girls and boys group sessions, and Monday breakfast club. Bama children’s reading levels have greatly improved with the reading intervention program delivered twice a week.

CYEP: Community & Youth Empowerment Program – The Youth Hub is now open at 39 Barang Street to provide a drop-in centre for youth between 12-25 years. See our Ngoonbi Youth Worker for further support, mentoring and linking to training and employment pathways. Weekly Youth night is held on Monday evenings during the school terms. See Ngoonbi Facebook page for details.

Sport & Recreation: Active programs are delivered to promote health and wellbeing. These programs include fitness, multi-sports, afterschool programs in Kuranda, Kowrowa and Mantaka. The target age group is 12-25 years.

Good News Stories: The Ready for Work Program held in 2025 has led to several meaningful employment and educational outcomes in 2026. Five participants have been employed by Ngoonbi in roles of Program Admin Assistants, Sport & Recreation, a Trainee Promotions Assistant and Trainee Data Officer. Other community members have successfully gained opportunities in Business Owner Developments, Construction Labouring and a Hospitality Traineeship. Two participants have secured casual employment in yard maintenance. One participant and his family successfully obtained housing. Ten participants have expressed a strong interest in pursuing careers in Nursing, Early Childhood Education, NDIS services, Barbering, Outdoor Work and Construction.

Feedback: A participant reflected positively on the experience, sharing the enjoyment of the program for its social opportunities and exposure to a variety of industries and organisations. The participant found the visits to TAFE and James Cook University particularly inspiring, noting that it had helped to gain a broader perspective on future possibilities.

Ngoonbi would like to acknowledge our Creator Jah, Elders Past & Present, Djabugay Tribal Owners.