Kambu Health’s journey began in the early 1970's with the vision, determination and advocacy of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders who recognised the urgent need for culturally safe, accessible health care for their community.
Les Davidson, Cecil Fisher, Ken Dalton, Roberta Thompson, Faye Carr, Bill Robertson and Doreen Thompson.
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Driven by a commitment to improve health outcomes and ensure their people were supported in a way that respected culture and community, these leaders laid the foundation for what would become Kambu Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation for Health (Kambu Health).
The first services were delivered from a room in Doreen Thompson’s home, where local community members accessed culturally appropriate health care from doctors who travelled from Brisbane each week to provide much-needed medical support.
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From these humble beginnings, marked by the official opening of its first premises at 27 Roderick Street, Ipswich, on Saturday 3 July 1976, Kambu Health has grown from a grassroots community initiative into a leading Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO), a legacy shaped by the vision of community, the dedication of generations past, and a commitment to improving health outcomes for generations to come.
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Today, Kambu Health proudly employs more than 100 dedicated staff and delivers a comprehensive range of medical, specialist, allied health and social health services.
Alongside these essential health services, Kambu Health provides early childhood, education, social wellbeing, family and community programs that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader community across the Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim and West Moreton regions.
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Kambu Health operates two (2) medical centres in Ipswich and Laidley, complemented by a range of vital community-led programs and services that respond to the evolving needs of our people and community.
These include Amaroo Early Learning and Development Centre, Ipswich Children and Family Centre, Family Wellbeing Service, Our Families Our Way, Family Participation Program and Social Health Program.
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Together, these services reflect Kambu Health’s ongoing commitment to delivering holistic, culturally appropriate care and strengthening the health, wellbeing and future of our communities.
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While much has changed since those early days, our purpose remains the same:
Our People – Our Community – Our Health – Our Way™.