Our region

We provide health care to a resident population of more than 27,000 people, of which 63.7% identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

This makes us one of Australia's largest providers of health services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We're made up of 1,000 employees working in:

31 primary health care centres
2 hospitals (Thursday Island and Bamaga)
a multi-purpose health service (Cooktown)
an integrated health service (Weipa).

Our health service covers 129,700 square kilometres across the northernmost tip of Queensland and across the Torres Strait. Our northern boundary runs right up to Papua New Guinea.

We support a wide range of healthcare providers including outreach teams, visiting specialists, and non-government providers.

Living in the region

We're home to some of Australia's most remote communities.

When you move to Cape York, the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA), or a Torres Strait island, you may find yourself in a different social and cultural setting than what you're used to.

This is especially true if you're moving from a capital or a major regional centre.

Keep some of these points in mind if you're thinking about moving to our area.

Parts of our region have limited internet and mobile phone coverage. Some have none at all. Check with your mobile phone operator to see what your options are.
7 Cape York communities and 5 NPA communities have restrictions on possessing or consuming alcohol. The restrictions apply to the entire area controlled by the local shire council. This is to improve the health and well-being of all people living in these communities.
Expect to pay a bit more for things like petrol or groceries. The cost of getting goods into the region can make prices higher than what you'd see in capitals or regional centres. It's part of the reason why we offer incentives for living remotely.
It might seem obvious, but it bears repeating: you might be moving a very long way from your family and friends. This means that planning a visit back home can be a bit of an effort.

Local council resources

Visit local council sites to learn more about the services, road conditions, local laws, alcohol management plans and cultural considerations.