When Colin Costello underwent cancer treatment in 2018, he had to leave his home community of Yarrabah in Far North Queensland for seven months, relocating temporarily to Cairns. Despite this, the Aboriginal community of 2,500 people remained central to his support network.

Yarrabah, located about 50 minutes from Cairns, is one of Australia's most socio-economically disadvantaged communities. Recognizing the need for culturally safe cancer care, a new community-run program was launched in April 2026 to support Indigenous cancer patients locally.

Chanten Lefoe, who returned to Yarrabah after 15 years to become one of two local cancer care support officers, emphasized the program's holistic approach: "It's also about if they want to go down the beach for 15 minutes if they're dying of boredom, not dying from their diagnosis."

Jason King, head of clinical services at GYHSAC, stated the program "would change the way Yarrabah residents interact and live with cancer in the community." He noted that disadvantage underpins about 80% of clinic presentations in Yarrabah, highlighting the importance of community-led healthcare.

The program aims not only to ease the treatment journey for those diagnosed but also to help prevent cancer development within the community. By enabling patients to manage care locally, the initiative seeks to provide a delegated voice and reduce the need for travel.

This approach reflects a broader commitment to culturally appropriate health services tailored to the unique needs of First Nations people in Far North Queensland.

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