Kuranda Paper  – PDF version with photos (Page 21)

HELPING TO BUILD YOUTH & FAMILY
The April school holiday program was well attended and an enjoyable experience for youth and families. Ngoonbi delivered two weeks of fun, engaging and meaningful activities for young people in the Kuranda community.

Throughout the holiday period, local youth took part in a range of Ngoonbi activities designed to encourage social connection, physical activity, and to reinforce positive and healthy choices. Activities included excursions to popular destinations such as Yorkeys Knob and Kewarra Beach, Lake Eacham, Smithfield Cairns Wake Park, Kuranda Aquatic Centre and the Cairns Esplanade. Ngoonbi teamed up with the Mareeba PCYC to deliver a family fun day at Nyuwarri Park (Centenary Park) which was enjoyed by all.

Two visits to the Cairns Esplanade also allowed local young people to link up with John Moriarty Football and other services to celebrate Youth Week ‘Futures of Gimuy (Cairns)’, providing opportunities to connect with peers outside their immediate community. These experiences supported young people to develop new friendships, build confidence and strengthen social skills in positive, supported and drug free environments.

Activities across the two weeks included soccer, EDOR Traditional Indigenous Games, a Colour Run, swimming, and a variety of multi-sport activities. Feedback received from participants, parent/carers and families was very positive, highlighting the value of providing safe, inclusive, and enjoyable school holiday programs and experiences for local Kuranda youth.

Ngoonbi Programs and Training Opportunities
Since the 1980s, Ngoonbi has continued to deliver Aged Care Services and has increased aged care services to service four sites across the districts of Kuranda, Mareeba, Atherton and Mt Garnet. The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) is eligible to clients over 65 years and over 50 years for First Nations clients. CHSP Services include Domestic Assistance, Social Support, Transport, Yard Maintenance, Respite and Personal Care. Clients require an Aged Care Referral Code to access services by calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.

For further information, community members are encouraged to contact Ngoonbi Kuranda CHSP office on 4093 7298.

Free Mental Health First Aid Training
in conjunction with Beacon Strategies will be held on 2–3 June in the upstairs section of the Kuranda Library. Community members interested in attending can contact the Ngoonbi office to register.

Bibi Yungan (Train Up a Child) Great Start to Great Learning program operates weekly Tuesday Playgroup from 10.00am to 12.00pm at the Kuranda Neighbourhood Centre or in the park, weather permitting. Bama families with children from 0-5 years are encouraged to attend. The program focuses on early learning and supporting children to get the best possible start in life. For further information, contact Bibi Yungan staff on 4093 7177.