Wednesday, June 10, 2026
By Michael Warren
Anticipation continues to build in Yarrabah as the community prepares for the launch of one of Australia's most innovative youth health initiatives, with the "Express Yourself" Fun Run set to unofficially kick off Gurriny Yealamucka Health Services' flagship Youth Health Festival and Youth Prevention Campaign (YPC) 2026.
Scheduled for next Thursday, June 18, the Fun Run promises an explosion of colour, creativity and community spirit as Yarrie youth and community members gather to celebrate identity, culture and self-expression. Participants are being encouraged to embrace the "Express Yourself" theme through costumes, colours and team participation.
However, organisers said the event's significance extends well beyond the starting line.
Beginning on June 22, the six-week Youth Health Festival will transform the Bukki Road Clinic into a dedicated youth space, connecting Yarrabah young people aged 15–30 with health checks, support services and information tailored to their needs and experiences.
Public Health Team Leader and Event Co-ordinator Renee Grosso said Yarrie youth had already taken ownership of the campaign.
"We're seeing youth organise teams, plan their outfits and encourage their mates to get involved," she said.
"The Fun Run helps generate excitement and participation, but it also creates an opportunity to engage young people with their health in ways that feel safe, relevant and empowering."
A central objective of the YPC campaign is ensuring young people not only complete health checks, but also return for their results — a critical step in identifying health concerns early and building lifelong habits around preventative healthcare.
By combining creativity, community connection and accessible health services, the Youth Health Festival continues to set a national benchmark for youth engagement.
As the countdown continues, Yarrabah's young people are stepping forward as leaders of a campaign designed to strengthen health, confidence and opportunity for the next generation.
