Apunipima hosts movie night in Kowanyama to combat smoking

Apunipima’s Tackling Indigenous Smoking (TIS) program take a community level population health approach to inform and support people in their choices to not smoke or to quit smoking. As part of the population health approach short films are created featuring local community members sharing their journey to quit tobacco. These films are then launched in community via a film night with the whole community invited to come along. The latest community to feature was Kowanyama with the premiere scheduled for the first week of August.

And what a launch it turned out to be, Clara Saleh and Bonnie Robins-Smith from the TIS Team took the lead to ensure the night was a resounding success. The evening kicked off at 6pm with stalls set up in the Community Hall with a smoothie station, arts and book stall, wellbeing/quiet corner and various TIS learning resources on display for community members. Dinner was provided and then it was time to sit back and watch locals share their stories and, of course it would not be a film night if popcorn was not included. Some lucky locals even got to take home some fabulous lucky door prizes!

Nights like this do not occur by accident and a huge part for the success of the evening must firstly go to Clara and Bonnie for putting in the hard work in planning and organising the night. From liaising with local council and the school, PHC staff, local groups to shopping, packing and driving across from Cairns, they did an amazing job.

Although planned by Apunipima’s TIS team these events need support and many thanks must go to Faye Humphries and the Atharpuch Family Health Centre staff, Kowanyama Council, Kowanyama State School, PCYC staff, RAATSICC, the Local Women’s Group, Vickie from the CEQ Store and many more Apunipima staff.

From advertising our event, putting up flyers, manning stalls, helping out in the kitchen, making popcorn, picking up rubbish, sweeping out and washing up everyone pitched in and contributed to the success of the night. Every great opening night has its hiccups and big thanks go to Troy the Kowanyama Council electrician who came to the hall to restore power and stayed around to ensure it did not happen again!

Last of all the biggest thanks must go the community of Kowanyama for their attendance and participation on the night, without this the evening would not have been the success it was!