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Update: November 10, 2022, 3:45pm
Queensland Police have confirmed two teenage boys have been charged over incidents that sparked security concerns for health workers in Aurukun.
A QPS statement said the two boys allegedly threatened a man with a baseball bat and tried to steal his vehicle on November 6 and damaged the vehicle.
Police said one of the boys, still armed with a bat, went to the Health Centre and demanded to be given keys to a vehicle. The clinic was then locked down.
It’s alleged three boys threatened two women sitting in a vehicle with a hammer on November 8, before stealing their vehicle and driving it dangerously for about an hour.
The boys are scheduled to appear at the Aurukun Childrens Court.
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Earlier
The Queensland Health facility in Aurukun, on western Cape York, was closed for security reasons, after staff were attacked and vehicles were stolen.
The temporary closure of Aurukun Primary Health Care Centre began today, with patients being turned away and outreach activities suspended.
The move follows a series of incidents that have left staff feeling unsafe.
Sources told Tropic Now there was an attempt to carjack an ambulance with two health workers in it on the weekend.
On Monday, nurses were held up while travelling in a car. They were threatened with a hammer, their car keys were taken, and the car was stolen.
The car was later seen doing laps around the town.
A Queensland Police statement said two Aurukun teenage boys have been arrested and charged with attempted robbery and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
The four men who attempted to steal the ambulance are reportedly still at large.
Tropic Now has also been told a man attacked the Aurukun Primary Health Care Centre with a machete about two weeks ago.
Aurukun has a history of internal conflict, with family and clan disputes regularly escalating to violence and unrest.
But sources in Aurukun said these recent incidents appear to be targeting health workers, and staff are feeling the least safe they ever have.
In 2016, teachers were evacuated from Aurukun when they were targeted by young children trying to steal a car who threw rocks at houses and security guards.
Calls to the Health Care Centre went unanswered today. It’s administered by the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service.
In a statement, the Service said its staff are safe but distressed following an incident involving three team members on Tuesday afternoon.
“Counselling and support are being provided through our health service processes.
“The incident involved the taking of a health service vehicle and follows a previous similar incident on Sunday.
“We are cooperating with police in their investigations and have provided them with security video of one of the incidents.”
The statement said the Service is aware of continuing unrest in Aurukun, but staff are safe, and clinic services are continuing.
“Due to the unrest, routine community visits or outreach home visits from the primary healthcare centre are suspended until further notice.
“But we are continuing to provide first response to emergency 000 calls with a police escort.
“We continue to monitor the situation on a daily basis and are liaising closely with other government agencies, including police.”
The statement said the 20 staff in Aurukun have been given extra security measures and are being monitored for fatigue, with plans in place to relieve or remove staff if needed.
Main points
- Aurukun health centre closing over staff safety concerns
- Nurses were attacked and an attempt made to steal an ambulance
- Sources said Queensland Health staff are being targetted
