Yarn Up events
A Yarn Up is a scheduled event where a range of government and non-government service providers come together to deliver their services to rural, remote and urban Queensland communities.
During a Yarn Up event, a number of agencies visit a specific community for two to three days to assist locals with key services.
Community members can attend these events to access support with key services, such as getting a driver licence, birth certificate or blue card. Other services can include general legal advice, help with paying fines, registering to vote, setting up a bank account, and career opportunities. The services on offer are identified as part of the engagement and planning process and are usually tailored to the needs of the community.
Who runs the Yarn Ups?
The First Nations Justice Office leads the Yarn Ups, with support from a multi-agency working group. Sometimes we partner with community-controlled organisations to deliver these events. We also encourage hosting communities to take ownership by naming their local ‘Yarn Up’ initiative or event.
What's happened so far?
Since December 2023, we have coordinated and supported the following Yarn Up events:
- Mt Isa License and Identification muster – December 2023
- Inala Community Connectors Forum – May 2024
- Toowoomba ID Connect event – September 2024
- Cherbourg Yarn Up Day – November 2024
- Mt Isa License and Identification Yarn Up – December 2024
- Yarrabah Yarn Up – May 2025
- Cherbourg Yarn Up Day – June 2025
- Yarrabah Yarn Up – December 2025
- Cherbourg Yarn Up – March/April 2026
- Mt Isa Yarn Up – August 2026
- Hope Vale Yarn Up – 13 and 14 October 2026
To date, we have seen more than 2,917 community members attend the events and benefit from the easy access and support provided by the agencies involved.
Looking ahead
Keep an eye out here for the latest information and news or subscribe to our e-newsletter, Kasa Yarn, to stay up to date.
Upcoming Yarn Up events include:
- Yarrabah Yarn Up – 9 and 10 December 2026.
- Cherbourg Yarn Up – 23 and 24 February 2026.