Community & Business
23 October, 2025
Air Force lending a healthy hand
ROYAL Australian Air Force health specialists are helping to deliver essential services to indigenous communities across the Far North, working with local organisations for the next few weeks.
As part of Exercise Kummundoo 2025, the air force members will be in the region until 6 November, delivering essential health services and deepening ties with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Air Force health specialists and Indigenous Engagement Officers are working alongside the Mulungu Aboriginal Corporation Primary Health Care Services Clinic in Mareeba to deliver dental care, environmental health services, physical wellbeing support and mental health promotion.
Now in its 11th year, Exercise Kummundoo is a community engagement initiative delivered in partnership with the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO).
The program supports Air Force’s reconciliation commitments while contributing to better health outcomes in regional and remote Indigenous communities.
Exercise Detachment Commander, Wing Commander Elisha Kropp, said the exercise was focused on listening, learning, and making meaningful contributions.
“Exercise Kummundoo reflects our ongoing commitment to reconciliation,” she said.
“It’s also an opportunity for Air Force members to connect with communities, share knowledge, and deliver services that make a meaningful difference.”
NACCHO chief executive officer Pat Turner AM emphasised the importance of community control in improving health outcomes.
“Through Exercise Kummundoo, the Air Force is walking alongside our sector, listening, learning, and contributing in practical ways that make a difference,”
she said. “This is how we strengthen trust, improve health, and create real opportunities for our communities.”
During the exercise, outreach services will extend to Atherton and Kuranda, reaching communities across a 72km area.
In additional to health services, the Defence Science and Technology Group will deliver STEM activities and Air Force will speak with local youth to promote inclusive and supportive Defence career pathways for Indigenous Australians.
Exercise Kummundoo 2025 Indigenous Engagement Officer, Flight Lieutenant Patricia Thompson, said the team was focused on both health outcomes and inspiring future leaders.
“By sharing our experiences and creating space for open conversations, we hope to encourage more young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to consider a future in Defence,” she said.
