It was a milestone moment for women and girls in Far North Queensland with the official opening of the Jalbu Women’s Health Hub in Cairns — a First Nations-designed and led health service dedicated to breaking down barriers to healthcare.
I was honoured to attend the grand opening of this integrated, free, walk-in centre, which represents a major step forward in ensuring that women and girls across Cairns and beyond can access culturally safe, trauma-informed, and holistic care when they need it most.
The Jalbu Hub brings multiple services under one roof, staffed by a diverse workforce of general practitioners, nurses, intake officers trained in mental health support, and social workers.
The hub provides:
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Non-urgent primary healthcare
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Sexual and reproductive health services
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Mental health support
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Chronic disease management
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Social and emotional support
This integrated approach means that women don’t have to navigate a complex health system or wait in busy clinics to have their needs met. Instead, they can access a safe, supportive environment where their wellbeing comes first.
This new service will be integral in breaking down barriers to healthcare for local women and girls and will empower them to take proactive control of their health. Women and girls living in Cairns and beyond deserve a fresh start where their specific health needs are met.”
The Jalbu Hub is being delivered by Wuchopperen Health Service under an $11.47 million contract with Queensland Health, ensuring it is locally led and responsive to the needs of the community.
By focusing on preventative care and wraparound support, the hub will also ease pressure on hospitals by reducing avoidable presentations and lengths of stay.
This initiative is part of the Crisafulli Government’s Women’s and Girls Health Strategy, with the Jalbu Hub in Cairns being one of two integrated women’s health hubs across Queensland — the second located in Caboolture.
The opening of the Jalbu Hub is a significant achievement within the first 10 months of the Crisafulli Government — and a long-overdue investment after a decade of inaction.
It is a powerful example of what can be achieved when government, community, and healthcare providers come together to deliver world-class, culturally safe care for women and girls.
The Jalbu Hub is now open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, at 7 Stokes Street, Edmonton, Cairns South.
This is not just about healthcare — it’s about giving women and girls in Cairns the support, respect, and safe space they deserve.
