Cake, checkups, and Captain Starlight: evaluating the Cherbourg third birthday party health initiative for children in rural Australia

Objective: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, particularly those in remote Australia, face disproportionately higher rates of preventable health conditions and disability. Early intervention is considered particularly important for this demographic, but previous attempts have had limited success. Design: In response to a need identified by the Cherbourg Health Service, Starlight Children's Foundation Australia (Starlight) partnered with them to host a unique “third birthday party” event in Cherbourg, Queensland. Setting and Participants: The event aimed to provide health checks and a culturally sensitive, positive healthcare experience for three-year-old children and the Cherbourg community, incorporating key health service providers and Starlight “Captains” to facilitate the health checks and activities/games. Main outcome measure(s): To evaluate the third birthday party health initiative, the main outcome measures were the strengths and future considerations and improvements of the event. Result: The quantitative and qualitative data highlighted the event's success in promoting an effective and positive community-led healthcare experience by employing a unique, prevention-focused methodology, with benefits extending from the community to health staff and students. Conclusion: Overall, the Cherbourg third birthday party serves as a model for culturally appropriate early health interventions in Australia, offering valuable insights to enhance healthcare promotion, access, and engagement for Indigenous children and communities.