General News
6 August, 2025
Healing fearful people
THE Wujal Wujal community is to share in $3 million of Crisafulli government funding to support the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Member for Cook David Kempton said he was “pleased to see targeted grants supporting local organisations in Wujal Wujal, ensuring mental health support reaches those who need it most”.
“This initiative will support community members with key services and emotional wellbeing programs such as: On Country cultural activities, traditional hunting and gathering, storytelling and yarning and camping out on traditional homelands.
Wujal Wujal Justice Group Indigenous Corporation chief executive officer Joh Anthonis, on behalf of the Wujal Wujal Justice board of directors, said the increased funding for their ‘Healing On Country’ program is “absolutely welcomed”.
Traditional owner and Wujal Wujal Justice Group director Kathleen Walker said the community was still recovering after devastating floods from Cyclone Jasper swept through the community and cut off the region just before Christmas 2023.
“It has been very tough returning to our community and the same homes that were flooded,” Mrs Walker said.
“The water took so much from us. Most of the houses have now been fixed, but the damage is not just in the buildings, it is in our bubu (Country) and our wawu (spirit).
“The fear is still here, deep in our hearts and the rain brings us bad memories.
“I am grateful for the support we now have from the Queensland Government, but healing will take time,” she said.
“Us Bama (Kuku Yalanji people) carry the strength of our old people, but we are only human and many of us are afraid.
“The healing, both of the land and ourselves, must be done together.”
The grants address Closing the Gap Target 14 by supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to have high levels of social and emotional wellbeing.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Fiona Simpson said the Crisafulli government was committed to delivering tangible outcomes that improve the lives of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“The Crisafulli government is focused on supporting our First Peoples across Queensland and making a real impact on Closing the Gap,” Ms Simpson said.
“By providing these grants directly to organisations working in local communities, we are supporting local leaders and empowering local decision-making to drive real outcomes in improved mental health.
“We are committed to reconciliation by delivering projects, designed in partnership with Indigenous leaders, to support improvements in health, but also across education, critical infrastructure, housing, and community partnerships.”
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