Overview
The isolated Aboriginal community of Lockhart River has a population of around 450. The nearest city Cairns is about 800 kilometres to the south. Lockhart River, formerly an Anglican mission, was established in 1924.
In 1934, following amendments to the Aboriginals Protection and Restriction of the Sale of Opium Act 1897 , the Queensland Government rounded up Indigenous people from throughout Cape York Peninsula and relocated them to the mission. During the Second World War, Europeans were evacuated from Lockhart River and the Indigenous people were left to fend for themselves. In 1947 the mission was re-established and underwent drastic changes as diverse language groups were forced into a single community.
In 1971 the people were forced to move away from the traditional area of the coast, known as the ‘old site' to the present township, located 60 kilometres to the north-west. The Lockhart River Aboriginal Council became a local government in 1987.
Established and working in partnership with Apunipima Cape York Health Council since 2006. Apunipima has worked in partnership with the Royal Flying Doctors Service to deliver training to the HAT Teams in Kowanyama, Pormpuraaw, Coen and Lockhart River.
Health Action Team
Lockhart River HAT has completed the initial training programs that included:
- Good Governance Building Effective Volunteer Community Committees & Holding Community Meetings
- Strategic Planning & Evaluation
- Community Development Advocacy
- Conflict Management
- Communications Submission
- Writing Marketing & Promotion Service Planning
- Attendance at two Cairns Health Action Team forums with the HATs from Coen, Lockhart River, Kowanyama and Pormpuraaw.
The Lockhart River Health Action Team meets monthly with to work on community issues and issues with service delivery and at other times when quick action is needed. We have also begun program planning around some of the important health issues in Lockhart River.
The measurement of capacity by the HAT team showed a similar pattern of capacity as demonstrated in Coen and Kowanyama communities. The Lockhart River HAT had strengths in participation, organisational structures and leadership but did not have a developed capacity in ‘asking why', external linkages, health services management, resource generation and problem assessment. This pattern of high and low capacity rating is typical in newly formed community-based organisations and the next step was to prepare a strategy to address a few of the weaker domains within a feasible timeframe.
The Health Action Team members are:
- Mr. Willie Clark (Chairperson) (Coordinator Justice Group)
- Ms. Tanya Koko (Deputy Chair)
- Ms. Veronica Piva (Counselor)
- Ms. Miriam Kranabetter (Kids Club Co-ordinator)
- Ms. Danielle Hudson (Secretary)(Counselor)
- Ms. Agnes Creek ( Clinic)
For more information please contact Willy Clark on;
Phone: (07) 4060 7012
Fax: (07) 4060 7139
Email: wcjg@lockhart.qld.gov.au