RAAF Exercise Kummundoo personnel pose with locals. Image: Mulungu
Mulungu Aboriginal Corporation Primary Health Care Service was proud to host Exercise Kummundoo 2025, a five-week placement program from October to November, in collaboration with the Royal Australian Air Force.
Now in its 11th year, Exercise Kummundoo is a community engagement initiative delivered in partnership with the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation. The initiative reflects a shared commitment to building a healthier community — mind, body, and spirit.
Air Force health specialists and Indigenous Engagement Officers worked alongside Mulungu Aboriginal Corporation Primary Health Care Service’s clinic in Mareeba to deliver dental care, environmental health services, physical wellbeing support and mental health promotion.
Mulungu CEO Samanthia Dooley said the presence of the Air Force team brought new energy and connection to Mulungu and the broader Mareeba community.
“As a service that’s often understaffed and resource-limited, the additional support made a real difference to our health promotion efforts and provided more meaningful engagement and care for our clients.”
Community members also praised the program’s impact.
“Mulungu is doing something really special for our community — there aren’t many services like this in Mareeba. Having the Air Force here has made a real difference, and we truly hope they’ll return every year to continue supporting us,” one local resident said.
Another community member shared: “My uncle doesn’t get out of the house much, but since the Air Force arrived, he’s been more engaged. He said they take the time to sit with us, have a yarn, and they’re not intimidating at all.”
One of the most impactful outcomes of Exercise Kummundoo was the boost to dental services and oral education. With four chairs operational across both Mareeba & Atherton, Mulungu was able to increase appointment availability, catch up on screening, and significantly reduce dental waitlists.
“The Air Force’s presence during this exercise lightened the load, strengthened our workforce, and enhanced our health engagement activities,” Ms Dooley said.
Exercise Detachment Commander, Wing Commander Elisha Kropp, said: “Exercise Kummundoo reflects our ongoing commitment to reconciliation. It’s also an opportunity for Air Force members to connect with communities, share knowledge, and deliver services that make a meaningful difference.”
