Health professionals in the Far North Queensland community of Yarrabah are facing a dangerous and escalating threat, with a series of rock attacks by local youths forcing the temporary closure of a critical medical clinic. The assaults have sparked urgent calls for action from community leaders who warn that the safety of both staff and patients is now at serious risk.
Clinic Forced to Close Amid Safety Fears
The Gurriny Yealamucka Health Service Aboriginal Corporation was compelled to shut its doors on Tuesday, February 20, following repeated incidents where workers were targeted with rocks and other projectiles. The attacks are reported to have occurred over recent weeks, creating an atmosphere of fear for employees trying to deliver essential healthcare.
Acting chief executive Robert Gela confirmed the closure, stating the decision was made to ensure the immediate safety of his team. He described a distressing situation where staff, including nurses and other clinicians, were being intimidated and physically endangered simply for doing their jobs. The clinic provides a vital lifeline for the Indigenous community of around 4,000 people, located just a 55-minute drive from Cairns.
Community Leaders Demand Immediate Intervention
The crisis has prompted a powerful response from local figures. Yarrabah Mayor Ross Andrews did not mince words, labelling the perpetrators as "little rats" and calling for a firm police crackdown. He emphasised that such behaviour was utterly unacceptable and was jeopardising access to healthcare for the most vulnerable residents, including the elderly and young children.
Mayor Andrews revealed he had contacted Queensland Police Minister Mark Ryan to demand increased patrols and a visible police presence in the area to deter further violence. He stressed that the community overwhelmingly supports the health workers and is fed up with the actions of a disruptive minority. "Our people are missing out on vital health services because of these idiots," Mayor Andrews stated bluntly.
A Broader Pattern of Violence and Its Consequences
This is not an isolated incident in Yarrabah. The attacks on the health service follow a similar pattern of aggression towards other essential services. Just weeks earlier, the local primary school was also forced to close temporarily due to safety concerns after its buildings were vandalised and staff were threatened. These consecutive crises paint a picture of a community grappling with significant youth disengagement and anti-social behaviour.
The implications are severe. Prolonged or repeated closures of the health clinic mean residents may miss crucial medical appointments, medication pick-ups, and maternal health checks. For a remote community, this local service is often the first and most accessible point of care, making its uninterrupted operation a matter of public health necessity.
Robert Gela echoed the mayor's sentiments, highlighting the broader impact. He pointed out that the violent actions of a few were directly harming the well-being of the entire community, particularly those who rely on daily medical support. The call from leadership is unified: immediate and effective measures are required to protect workers, restore services, and hold those responsible to account. The situation remains tense as authorities work to address the security concerns and allow the lifesaving work of the Gurriny Yealamucka Health Service to resume safely.
