Wednesday, May 27, 2026
By Michael Warren
Yarrabah’s youth will once again take centre stage, with Gurriny Yealamucka launching its 2026 Young Person’s Check (YPC) — reimagined this year as a vibrant and dynamic Yarrabah Youth Health Festival.
Now recognised as one of the only dedicated youth health festivals of its kind in Australia, the initiative continues to lead nationally — setting the benchmark for how to engage, empower and support young people aged 15–30 to take charge of their health.
Running over six weeks, the campaign combines culture, connection and community with a clear health goal: encouraging young people not only to complete a health check, but to return for their results — a critical step in improving long-term health outcomes.
The campaign officially begins on Monday, June 22, with the Yarrabah community Fun Run to informally kick things off on Thursday, June 18.
The first three weeks (June 22 – July 8) will deliver the Youth Health Festival experience, transforming the outside yard area of the Gurriny Yealamucka Bukki Road Clinic in Yarrabah into an energetic, welcoming hub designed to attract and engage local youth.
Activities will include the return of the iconic juice bar, along with basketball, music, face painting and a range of youth-led activations — all aimed at creating a safe, culturally strong and inviting space for Yarrabah youth to come in for their health checks.
The final three weeks, or campaign weeks four, five and six (July 13 – July 30) will shift focus toward supporting participants to return for their results, reinforcing the importance of follow-up care and ongoing health management.
The 2026 campaign builds on strong momentum from 2025, where 227 young people completed health checks and continues to evolve in response to community voice and need.
Gurriny Yealamucka CEO Suzanne Andrews said the festival reflects a deeper commitment to empowering young people in a way that feels relevant and meaningful.
“This campaign continues to grow because it’s shaped by our young people,” Ms Andrews said.
“It’s about creating a space where they feel comfortable, supported and motivated to take control of their health — in a way that connects with who they are, their identity and their community.”
Festival and Campaign Organiser Renee Grosso said the reimagined festival format strengthens engagement while keeping the focus firmly on health outcomes.
“We know that when young people feel safe, seen and connected, they are far more likely to engage,” Ms Grosso said.
“The Youth Health Festival brings that energy — but behind it is a very clear purpose: getting our young people in for health checks and making sure they come back for their results.”
She said the program continues to stand out nationally.
“This is one of the only youth-focused health festivals in the country that actively supports young people through the full health check journey — from first visit to follow-up,” she said.
“It’s innovative, it’s community-driven, and it’s setting the standard for how youth health engagement should be done.”
With a growing reputation as a leading youth health initiative, the Yarrabah Youth Health Festival continues to redefine how health services connect with the next generation - blending culture, community and care to create lasting impact.
