Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) is delivering targeted support to create a safer Christmas and increase COVID-19 vaccination access to vulnerable populations in the region this festive period. 

With funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, NQPHN has partnered with Gurriny Yealamucka Health Service, Mackay Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service (ATSICHS), and Apunipima Cape York Health Council to implement short-term, community-focused vaccination initiatives. 

The initiatives aim to provide culturally appropriate, inclusive, and accessible solutions that supplement existing vaccination programs and address barriers to healthcare access for at-risk populations. 

Gurriny Yealamucka Health Service 

In Yarrabah, Gurriny Yealamucka Health Service has expanded vaccination opportunities through: 

• contracting a Nurse Immuniser to strengthen workforce capacity for COVID-19 and other immunisations 

• community engagement via social media to promote immunisation clinic schedules. 

Gurriny Yealamucka Health Service Chief Executive Sue Andrews said NQPHN was dedicated to improving access and availability to COVID-19 vaccines for First Nations communities.  

“Due to workforce challenges, NQPHN has provided funding to support the continued rollout of the vaccines by assisting Gurriny Yealamucka in contracting nurses,” said Ms Andrews. 

“As families travel between communities to celebrate the festive season, it’s crucial that our mob stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations. 

“Thanks to the generous support of NQPHN, we are able to ensure an adequate supply of vaccines and a workforce to administer them.” 

Mackay ATSICHS 

In Mackay and surrounding areas, Mackay ATSICHS is improving vaccination access and participation through: 

• hosting pop-up vaccination clinics at community events and providing client transport services 

• promoting clinics via social media and incentivised materials to drive attendance 

• administering vaccines to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members in the catchment area. 

Mackay ATSICHS Executive Manager Valerie Pilcher said it was very important that healthcare organisations continued to promote and educate the local community around vaccinations.  

“We aim to talk to community about the myths of COVID vaccinations which people may see and hear through social media,” she said. 

“We have a Nurse Practitioner and staff from our Social Emotional and Wellbeing Team who will do pop-up clinics in areas of our community where there are large numbers of our vulnerable people. 

“We aim to increase vaccinations by providing transport to our clients to attend health appointments and opportunistic access to vaccinations. 

“The support of NQPHN to assist us through funding this program leads to improvement in the health and wellbeing of our clients through vaccinations.” 

Apunipima Cape York Health Council 

Delivering clinical services to Aurukun, Coen, Kowanyama, Mapoon, Mossman Gorge, and Napranum, Apunipima Cape York Health Council’s program focuses on enhancing vaccine accessibility and community engagement. 

Activities include: 

• supporting a registered nurse to undertake targeted outreach education in communities 

• development and dissemination of culturally tailored communication materials to address vaccine hesitancy. 

Apunipima Executive Manager Clinical Services Dr James Doran said: “Our COVID vaccination program delivered by our dedicated team of primary care staff will continue its rollout in the new year.” 

Mr Doran confirmed that Apunipima’s COVID vaccination team were also involved in the: 

• logistical planning for the delivery of vaccinations to remote clinics 

• computer program development to aid early identification of high-risk clients in the event of future outbreaks 

• development of future pandemic plans tailored to the remote Aboriginal community-controlled health service setting. 

NQPHN Interim Chief Executive Officer Ben Tooth emphasised the importance of collaboration in addressing healthcare inequities.  

“These initiatives demonstrate the power of working together with community health partners to provide tailored, effective solutions,” he said. 

“It’s about more than vaccines – it’s about building trust, improving access, and making a lasting difference in people’s lives. 

“By focusing on vulnerable populations, we are ensuring that everyone in Northern Queensland has the opportunity to access culturally appropriate vaccine information and vaccines, regardless of their circumstances.” 

These programs, which run until the end of December, focus on ensuring equitable vaccination access for groups experiencing barriers, including those without Medicare, the homeless, culturally and linguistically diverse individuals, children with complex needs, and those in rural or remote locations. 

Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) delivered 205 primary healthcare service contracts across the region, investing more than $80 million into primary and mental health care, according to its 2023-24 Annual Report. 

Board Chair Jeff Stewart-Harris said Northern Queensland PHN was committed to improving primary health outcomes in regional, rural, and remote areas across the region.  

“The report highlights the progress made this year through the collaboration and innovation of our staff, service providers, healthcare workers, and partners, all working towards the same goal of helping people live happier, healthier, and longer lives,” Mr Stewart-Harris said. 

“Looking back, we’re proud of the contributions made by our teams through our strong partnerships with primary healthcare providers such as general practices, pharmacies, allied health services, aged care homes, and Aboriginal health services.” 

Interim CEO Ben Tooth said the 2023-24 Annual Report featured key achievements and success stories that showcased the positive impact of health services in the community that have been funded by Northern Queensland PHN. 

“Our commitment to delivering the right care, in the right place, at the right time for North Queensland communities continues to guide our work,” he said. 

“As an organisation, we focused on our core functions to coordinate, commission, and build capacity in local healthcare services to improve care quality, access, and equity. 

“We’re proud to highlight the last financial year's results and showcase the dedicated work and collaboration of our passionate teams, partners, providers, and healthcare professionals to address the region’s health needs.” 

Highlights from the 2023-24 Annual Report include: 

• More than 73,000 people received mental health services funded by Northern Queensland PHN, 15,460 of them were new clients. 

• Over 40,900 Integrated Team Care services were coordinated for First Nation’s peoples by the region’s 12 service providers.  

• The care finder program recorded more than 1,590 client engagements to help vulnerable older people. 

• The two Medicare Urgent Care Clinics in Cairns and Townsville have recorded more than 12,000 visits each since opening almost 12 months ago (6,000 in the 2023-24 financial year). 

• After engaging with more than 580 stakeholders, Northern Queensland PHN recently remodelled North Queensland’s mental health stepped care services and launched MyndKind. 

• Northern Queensland PHN worked closely with all four hospital and health services in the region to progress the Joint Regional Needs Assessment, which will be released next year. 

• 27 clinicians were placed in North Queensland, including 18 GPs, four physiotherapists, an occupational therapist, podiatrist, registered nurse, social worker, and speech pathologist. 

• Financial support was made available to health professionals under the Maternal and Child Health Workforce Uplift program for professional development directly related to primary care child and maternal health capability. 

• A professional development program specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers and health practitioners was implemented. 

• Northern Queensland PHN hosted 76 education and training events for the continuous professional development of more than 1,650 participants. 

NQPHN’s 2023-24 Annual Report can be viewed here.