Youth Action Group Leads the Way in Skin Cancer Prevention Initiative
Livingstone Shire Council’s Youth Action Group, in partnership with other young people and the Central Queensland Public Health Unit, have launched a community-driven skin cancer prevention initiative in the form of sunscreen “vending machines”.
In Central Queensland, young people are at an even greater risk of being diagnosed with melanoma compared to the national average.
Recognising the importance of this issue, the Youth Action Group reached out to local businesses to help bring the idea to life.
Known as Project Cool Down, two community-focused businesses, Keppel Bay Sailing Club and Great Keppel Island Hideaway, eagerly stepped up to support the project.
The Youth Action Group, with the support of Queensland Health, successfully purchased the Sunsquirt devices, with both Keppel Bay Sailing Club and Great Keppel Island Hideaway committing to maintaining and stocking the devices with sunscreen, ensuring they remain available for community use.
As part of this innovative project, more than 80 youth in Livingstone participated in a youth-led, co-design competition to develop a community-based solution.
With Queensland having the highest rate of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer worldwide, Co-Chair of the Recreation and Culture Committee, Councillor Lance Warcon, praised the project’s collaborative effort.
“This is an outstanding example of young people taking proactive steps to improve public health. It’s fantastic to see local businesses supporting this initiative and working together to create a sun-safe culture in Livingstone Shire,” Cr Warcon said.
Central Queensland Public Health Unit’s Health Promotion Officer Skin Cancer Prevention John Ferguson congratulated Livingstone Shire Council and its Youth Action Group for their efforts in promoting sun safety prevention messages in the community.
“Young people are particularly vulnerable to sunburn, and melanoma is the most diagnosed cancer in people under the age of 30,” he said.
“This is why Central Queensland Health was proud to sponsor Project Cool Down.
“We were delighted to see some of the bright ideas that came from the project, and the positive changes that have come as a result.
“It’s fantastic to see the collaboration and leadership that Livingstone Shire Council and local businesses have shown to promote sun safety to their communities.”
Manager of The Hideaway Great Keppel Island, Kelly Harris, expressed excitement about being involved in the project
"We see firsthand how important sun protection is, especially in our outdoor and beachside environment. Having these sunscreen dispensers readily available for visitors and locals is a fantastic step in the right direction,” Mr Harris said.
Acting Sailing Manager Sophie Baynton echoed this sentiment, stating, "As a club that promotes outdoor recreation, we know how vital sun safety is. We're proud to support this initiative and help protect our community from the harmful effects of sun exposure."
Youth Action Group members shared their excitement with the success of the project, and its benefits for the wider community.
“Through the promotion of sun safety, we hope that our community will be more aware, educated, and prepared for our high UV climate,” one of the members said.
“We hope that the Sunsquirt Machines will enable all members of our community to access free sunscreen in an accessible and affordable way.”
“We are grateful for the opportunity to work alongside local businesses. We hope more business’s see this initiative and jump on board!”
The group agreed that Project Cool Down presented an opportunity for youth in Livingstone Shire to share their ideas and contribute to their community in a meaningful way.
“Young people like to feel a sense of accomplishment and gratification. We like being able to improve our community. We are dedicated, passionate and ambitious. Give us a challenge and we will face it head on!”
“We hope that community members will look at this project and see the dedication that we have for our community. We want to raise the profile of youth in Livingstone Shire. We want people to know that we care about our community and the future of our shire”.