Community
19 November, 2025
Community roundtable to confront grief, healing in Yallambee
The summit marks a critical moment for Yallambee in the Mount Isa community.
A community-led response to ongoing grief, mental health pressures and safety concerns in Yallambee will take place tomorrow, with local leaders formally announcing the Yallambee Strong Spirit Healing Summit 2025.
The event, spearheaded by Campfire Healing Indigenous Corporation and Yallambee Aboriginal Culture and Community Advancement Inc, comes after what organisers describe as one of the toughest periods the community has faced – including eight recent suicides, rising mental health needs and persistent alcohol-related harm.
The summit will be held at the Campfire Healing Indigenous Corporation Cultural Training Centre, drawing together Elders, families, youth, service providers and government representatives.
Yallambee Aboriginal Culture and Community Advancement Inc chairwoman Teresa Gilbert said the summit marked a critical moment for Yallambee.
“Our people have carried too much grief for too long. This summit is about truth-telling, healing, and reclaiming Yallambee as a safe, strong community for our children and grandchildren,” she said.
Supported by the Queensland Mental Health Commission and the Queensland Airports Community Benefit Fund (Mount Isa Airport), the event will focus on healing, truth-telling and practical steps toward recovery.
Campfire Healing Indigenous Corporation chairwoman Markeesh “Grunnung” De Busch said the push for the summit had come directly from local families.
“Yallambee families want real solutions. They want cultural healing, safety, and change. This summit brings us together to take action, not just talk,” she said.
The full-day program will include a Welcome to Country and opening ceremony led by senior Kalkadoon Elders, a community voices session, a keynote address by Professor Roianne West, a regional mental health and safety panel, and workshops on alcohol-related harm, suicide prevention, cultural land management and youth pathways.
The summit will also launch the Yallambee Healing Focus Groups, a program set to begin in 2026, and will culminate with a commitment ceremony aimed at strengthening cultural leadership and community safety.
Organisers say the outcomes will guide the creation of a whole-of-community healing strategy, including stronger alcohol management pathways, youth development and employment opportunities, improved mental health supports and a greater focus on cultural identity and land care.
Community members and service providers from across Mount Isa are invited to attend.
Event details
Thursday, 20 November 2025
9am to 4pm
Campfire Healing Indigenous Corporation Cultural Training Room
53 Barkly Highway, Miles End
To register: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/yallambee-strong-spirit-healing-summit-2025