Healthy minds and bodies the focus of on-country camps
16 September 2025
Apunipima Cape York Health Council recently hosted three ‘On Country’ Men’s Camps which brought together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men from different regions of the Cape to reconnect with culture and strengthen their spirit through shared healing.
These camps were designed to be immersive cultural experiences, while also supporting social and emotional wellbeing, leadership, and community connection.
The camp locations were chosen for their cultural significance with men from Hope Vale & Wujal Wujal attending Camp 1 at Normanby Station, Men from Aurukun attending Camp 2 at Moreton Telegraph Station, and men from Pormpuraaw attending Camp 3 at Paa Panthu Homelands.
“Being on country creates a sense of peace and clarity that allows the men to reflect on their lives, their roles in community and encourages them to share about who they are and where they come from. This is the foundation of spiritual health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” said Community Development Officer, William Blanco.
The aim of the camps was to create a culturally safe space for the men to speak openly. Each camp went for four nights with the days consisting of workshops and discussions, on topics such as identifying values, empowerment, goal setting, leadership qualities and self-care.
The sessions were broken up by various ‘on-country’ activities designed to both stimulate the men’s cultural identities and get them outside to stretch the legs. They included activities like smoking ceremonies, visiting sacred rock art and other cultural sites, bush walking and fishing.
“Sitting together around the campfire, walking through the bush or in the daily yarning circles, the men found common ground and built strong bonds by listening and sharing with each other,” Mr Blanco said.
Apunipima’s First Nations Mentor Richard Assan attended Normanby Station and Paa Panthu and said that the camps provided an ideal setting for the men to be able to open up and discuss what’s important to them.
“The guys loved getting out of the community and back on country, where they’re free to participate in men’s business away from the distractions of the community. Over the few days you could notice the change in the men as they connected with themselves, each other and with country.”
The men from each camp were primarily from that community’s Men’s Group with Apunipima Men’s Support Workers from that community also attending, as well as support staff from Cairns. The workshops revolved around personal and group reflection and discussions followed around how the men could be strong role models and leaders in their communities.
Len Winston Paul from the Aurukun Men’s Group attended the Moreton Telegraph Station camp and said the camp was great with everyone taking plenty away from it.
“I enjoyed it and I think the other guys did as well because everyone connected straight away. It was very peaceful getting out of the community and good that everyone shared their concerns and discussed what we need to do to be strong leaders in our community,” he said.
The men’s camps were delivered as part of Apunipima’s Men’s Outreach Program and were made possible through the support of The Department of Health and Aged Care.
