Health and housing partners unite to deliver rapid mobile care after Rockhampton flooding

Local organisation Country to Coast Queensland (CCQ) has worked with the Queensland Department of Housing and Public Works and on-the-ground partners to rapidly establish a free, short-term mobile health outreach service in Rockhampton after severe weather linked to ex–Tropical Cyclone Koji and riverine flooding.

Funded through CCQ’s PHN program, with support from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, this response service is designed for people experiencing homelessness and housing instability, who are among those most severely affected by floods.

Disasters disproportionately affect people with existing poor health, including people experiencing homelessness. CCQ Chief Executive Officer Julie Sturgess said planning must recognise this and respond early.

“Our initiative demonstrates what is possible when primary care, housing and community services work together around a clear local need.

“During flood events, people sleeping rough can face immediate risks from exposure, infection and disruptions to medications and support,” Ms Sturgess said.

“For many people, healthcare is not the first priority when you are focused on shelter, safety, food and survival. This outreach service brings care to people, so issues can be treated early and don’t escalate.”

The mobile outreach health service removes common barriers to care, including transport, making appointments, cost, identification and fear of mainstream systems. By meeting people where they are, the service enables timely treatment, earlier intervention, and support to connect with follow-up care where needed.

CCQ is already delivering the CQ Zero project in partnership with Roseberry QLD, localising the national Advance to Zero initiative and supporting local collaborative efforts to end homelessness.

CQ Zero has registered approximately 100 people currently experiencing homelessness in Rockhampton, with some known to have high and complex health needs and significant reliance on acute services:

• 30% have presented to an emergency department five or more times in the past 12 months

• 22% have used ambulance services five or more times in the past 12 months

• 20% have been admitted to hospital five or more times in the past 12 months

Flooding and displacement can significantly worsen health risks for people experiencing homelessness. Without timely intervention, these impacts can lead to avoidable ambulance call-outs, emergency department presentations and hospital admissions.

Ms Sturgess said it is critical that disaster responses include practical supports for people who are most at risk of being left behind.

“We can’t call something a community recovery if it doesn’t include people who are already doing it tough. This is about turning up early, together, and making sure people aren’t left without care.”

This response has been made possible through local collaboration, including partnerships with the Department of Housing and Public Works HOME outreach team, specialist homelessness services including Roseberry Queensland and CQID, and other community organisations helping the health team to locate people, build trust and support access to care. In-reach to shelters, transitional accommodation and food services has also been critical, ensuring clinical time is used effectively and care is available wherever people are staying.

The CCQ Rockhampton Mobile Health Service is delivered from a fully equipped 1300MEDICS vehicle, with ForHealth coordinating GP and nurse staff. Local general practices, including Rockhampton Central Medical Centre operated by ForHealth, are also supporting continuity by linking people into ongoing primary care beyond the outreach period. The service will operate until 6pm Sunday 1 February 2026 as part of the local emergency response.

Learn more or get in touch: c2coast.org.au/mobile-health-service

Community members can also access a range of primary care services in the Rockhampton region including:

• Medicare Urgent Care Clinic

• Medicare Mental Health

• 1800MEDICARE
• Healthdirect Service Finder