Download pdf - 2014-15 PPAC AR

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Pormpur Paanth Aboriginal Corporation Annual Report 2014-15

All work and walk together

on one path of healing, learning,

caring and sharing, creating a safer

environment and

community

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Artwork

Marlene Holroyd

Sid Bruce Short Joe 2010

Rhiannon Edwards

©Pormpur Paanthu 2015http://pormpurpaanthu.com.au/Head office: 22-23 Yalu St, Pormpuraaw, Q, 4871 PH (07) 40604 105 fax (07) 4060 42802014-15 Annual Report design by Liz Pearson & Christine Howes; Layout by Christine Howes; Photographs by Christine Howes and staff.

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Table of Contents

Pormpur Paanthu Background – pp 4-7

Board & Board Members 2014-15 – pp 8-9

Chair’s Report 2014-2015 – p 10

CEO Report 2014-2015 – p 11

Business Units – p 12

Integrated Healing – p 13-16

Early Learning Services – p 17-18

Children & Young People – p 19-21

Finance – p 22-31

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We acknowledge the traditional custodians/owners of the land on

which we live and work

Pormpur Paanthu Aboriginal Corporation is a not for profit organisation established by the people of Pormpuraaw, and supported by the Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council to provide a suite of services to the men, women, families and children of Pormpuraaw.

Pormpur Paanthu means ‘women’s house’. It was established between 1991 and 1992. At the time the CEO of the Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council had insight into the

local issues and dedicated funding from the canteen to establish and build capacity of women who were struggling in the face of over-crowded housing, welfare dependency, and experiencing high levels of domestic violence that were having a negative impact on children and families.

A women’s group was established and the Council gave the women and Elders a house to establish a Women’s Shelter. As it grew it was funded for Vacation and After School Care, and the Child Care Centre.

It expanded to include men’s support services through the Healing Centre, and the Alcohol and Drug Service Area.

VisionTo provide a supportive, safe, culturally secure environment that is respectful of children, women and their families’ culture,

beliefs and right to a happy and healthy lifestyle

Our RolePormpur Paanthu is committed and dedicated to improving families’ social and emotional wellbeing via a range of empowering

place-based services. It takes a lead role in the coordination of services and the delivery of innovative approaches to engagement and community development.

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Principles• To provide a holistic and consultative approach to the delivery of services that will build sustainable social and

lifestyle changes for individuals, families and community• To provide safe, accessible and reliable services that are culturally appropriate, competent and ethically accountable• Provision of appropriate preventative health promotion initiatives• To coordinate culturally secure activities in partnership with all stakeholders• To create supportive environments

Organisational WellbeingThe inextricable links between people and their environment constitutes the basis for a socio-ecological approach to health. The overall guiding principles for Organisational wellbeing include:• The need to encourage reciprocal maintenance – to take care of each other, our communities and our natural environment.• Changing patterns of life, work and leisure to have a significant impact on health. Work and leisure should be a source

of health for people. The way society organises work should help create a healthy society• Health promotion activities that generate living and working conditions that is safe, stimulating, satisfying and enjoyable.

Corporate Vision• To apply reflective and empowering practices, and emotional intelligence to Organisational wellbeing• Deliver on ‘Country’ programs in all service areas that contribute to social emotional wellbeing enhancement; personal

and professional growth• Develop and maintain a co-operative and mutually respectful environment that enhances organisation wellbeing

through corrective and reflective practices• To ensure the Organisation is funded appropriately to guarantee adequate facilities, equipment and supplies are

available so that staff can provide best practice services in a timely and appropriate framework• Promotion and prevention approaches that enhance social, emotional and cultural wellbeing for Aboriginal and

Torres Strait Islander people including families and communities.• Reduced prevalence and impact of harmful alcohol, drug and substance use on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

individuals, families and communities

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CommunityPormpur Paanthu’s community governance comes from its community-managed and place-based services

established through consultation with its community. The organisation is strengthened by the skills and experience of the Board members and staff.In 1990 the women of Pormpuraaw first initiated a service to protect themselves and their children. All these years later Pormpur Paanthu strives educate community on a range of issues and needs. We’ve established successful community-based partnerships that is a driving force behind Pormpuraaw’s

success stories.Pormpur Paanthu’s holistic model focuses on the integration of the social, emotional, physical and spiritual

well-being of people. It’s cutting edge approach supports community members to seek solutions and set goals to problems. We implement strength-based approaches and build on opportunities.

Our model incorporates empowerment philosophies and practical steps to changing behaviour. Community consultation enables local people to be part of the development and implementation of our programs and activities providing culturally safe programs and services.

We design our services with the objective of enabling Aboriginal people to take charge of all aspects of their own lives and healing at all levels as the fundamental building block.

PPAC has developed a community model of care so we have an organisational structure that best suits the needs of the community in order to improve community health; and social and emotional wellbeing outcomes.

The community model of care aims to improve the governance and leadership skills within the organisation; and to increase the prospect of attaining beneficial, sustainable change in the community.

Therefore the World Health Organisation’s notion of reciprocal maintenance has been adapted by Pormpur Paanthu: Looking after each other, looking after the community and looking after the environment.

These philosophies transcends to community governance which will translate to increasing staff and community wellbeing, employment creation and sustainability. It is a socio-ecological model, which places the community as the central tenet, incorporating a long-term perspective to encourage sustainability and ongoing capacity development and increased wellbeing.

A community controlled organisation is one that is ‘For the community, by the community’. Pormpur Paanthu Aboriginal Corporation was established by the People.

With a community- managed; place-based Organisation the solutions to the health and socio-economic needs of the community are in our hands and the services are determined by the community for our community.

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Community Control• Is based on the right to self-determination• Allows community members to control their health

service• Is independent and autonomous• Community Controlled Health Organisations:

• Are for the community and by the community• Give local people a say about their health services• Are controlled by the local community• Provide culturally appropriate health care• Meet the health needs of the community they serve

Staff Wellbeing and Training Coordinator

Payroll & Accounts Payable 0fficer (.5)

WHS and Maintenance Worker (.5)

Positive Parenting Coordinator (.5)

Play Group and Hub Coordinator (F.T)

Cert III Child Care Workers

Maanchangk Women’s shelter worker (casual)

SEWB Counsellor

Domestic and Family Violence Counsellors

Men’s Support Counsellor

Trainee Youth Workers

Youth Corp Workers (RJCP)

Vacation Care workers (casual)

Outside School Hours Care Workers (casual)

HR/ COMPLIANCE MANAGER

WOMEN’S SERVICES WELLBEING SERVICES

INTERGRATION SERVICE MANAGER

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT SERVICE

SPECIAL PROJECTS

3-7 MEMBER DIRECTORSCOMPANY SECRETARY MEDIA AND

MARKETING ADVISOR

ADVISORY GROUP

ACCOUNTANT

EXEC

UTI

VE

MA

NA

GEM

ENT

OPE

RA

TIO

NS

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

ADMINISTRATIONSERVICES

CHILD CARE SERVICES DIRECTOR

(DETE)

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION SERVICE

DV Support Worker

Maanchangk Women’s FV shelter worker Support worker and on call worker

(casual)

Youth Development Manager

Alcohol and Other Drug Counsellors

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Board of Directors

Role of Board MembersThe Board of Directors is obliged to act in accordance with the provisions contained in a range of documents, including

legislated requirements under all relevant Awards and Acts, including legislation relating to occupational health and safety. The Board of Directors must decide which decisions can be made by the Board, or delegated to any of its members such as the Chairperson, or to the Chief Executive Officer. The Constitution, position descriptions of managers and staff, and the Policies and Procedures Manual will assist with clearly defining these decision-making authorities from time to time.

GovernancePormpur Paanthu Aboriginal Corporation is governed by a Board of elected Directors of local men or women, and

expert skills based Directors from fields such as Health, Law, Management and Finance. Between 5-11 Directors in total.They set the strategic direction for the organisation and charge the CEO and Management Team with making sure all

strategic objectives are met and that the organisation continues to work towards the achievement of its vision.As a community-managed, place-based service Pormpur Paanthu Aboriginal Corporattion has a mandate to deliver

services to families: men, women, young people and children; and to provide mandatory reports against Operational and Action plans.

Pormpur Paanthu Aboriginal Corporation operates within a set of controls set out in its constitution that complies with national accounting standards and legislative requirements set out by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission.

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Top Row L-R: Christine Holroyd; David Hooten - Non-member-

Expert-Director; Edward Natera - Non-member-Expert-Director; Middle Row L-R: Janelle Menzie;

Kristen Smith; Mertyl Foote Director and Cultural Advisor;Left: Nazareth Doolah;

Right: Noel Tabuai

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Chairperson Vanessa Deakin

On behalf of the Board of Pormpur Paanthu Aboriginal Corporation, its members and staff, I acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we are meeting to conduct the Annual General Meeting and present this 2014-2015 Annual Report. I pay my respects to their Elders, past and present, and the Elders who may be here today.

I would like to acknowledge and thank all the Directors for their support and for the effort they have put into maintaining and improving the service delivery of Pormpur Panthu Aboriginal Corporation.

I also recognise and thank the talented and dedicated staff members who work for our Corporation. They continuously provide high-quality social services to our clients, helping our people every day to live healthier and happier, and helping to build strong families and a strong community.

Currently, we are focused on sourcing capital funds to enable us to expand our program and services, via a larger and more adequate facility for delivering quality social services. The upgrading of PPAC Women’s Shelter is in progress.

In addition, it has always been our goal to recruit our local Aboriginal people into our organisation. We aim to offer ongoing up-skilling programs, to assist these members of the local Aboriginal community to secure the services career that matches their ambitions.

There is still a massive challenge in our community and we are looking forward to working with the new Government to overcome these challenges, by focusing on the provision of excellent, professional social services that meet the needs of our people.

It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the work of CEO Liz Pearson for the amount of work and effort she has put into this organisation and our community. Much of the work here in this report is thanks to her.

Thank you.

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CEOThe financial year of 2014-2015 saw a lot of positive change within PPAC. We have ventured further in our preparation for accreditation. The implementation of the Quality

Systems Toolbox has allowed all services to access the one management system to assist in streamlining all our forms, policies, procedures and records. We are advancing in our IT infrastructure having installed a wireless point to point network and document management system to connect all services.

We continue to work on closing the gap for all people within our community. PPACs integration of services and the collaboration with other service providers within the community has allowed for greater support for our community members. We are striving to employ more local community members and give them the support and confidence in their selected field. Our children and young people services continue to thrive with Youth having been a focus. Our first Youth Summit was held with great success.

Our services have worked to ensure we meet our obligations under each funding agreement especially our reporting requirements and because of this the great work of PPAC will continue as funding in all areas bar one having been extended from six months to three years.

Former Acting CEO Erin Kendall

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Business Units Integrated Healing Services

Early Learning Services Children & Young People

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Integrated Healing Services

Clinical and Therapeutic Governance

In line with World Health Organisation’s ideologies, health cannot be separated from other goals. The inextricable links between people and their environment constitutes the basis for a socio-ecological

approach to health. The Jakarta Declaration on Health Promotion offers a vision and focus for health promotion into the next

century.Pormpur Paanthu Aboriginal promotes a whole of organisational therapeutic culture that promotes Family

and Community Centered approaches that are culturally safe and secure.Based on extensive experience and an in-depth understanding of the issues impacting the Pormpuraaw

community, PPAC has developed their model of care that embraces empowerment and is based on the individual, family and community needs.

This model is inclusive and respects the rights of the consumer. It captures the WHO Ottawa Charter principles of mobilisation, education and advocacy and includes key areas instrumental in implementing change: Primary Health Care and recognising the need to include family, kinship and a deeper understanding of culture and Indigenous world view philosophies linked to wellbeing.

It recognises the prerequisites for health as defined by the Jakarta Declaration of Health Promotion: peace, shelter, education, social security, social relations, food, income,the empowerment of women, a stable eco-system, sustainable resource use, social justice, respect for human rights, poverty and equity.

As an Aboriginal community-managed, place-based health organisation Pormpur Paanthu promotes a high degree of community and individual client involvement in quality assurance, health service planning, feedback and accountability, through formal integrated community structures that includes our Elders, Traditional Owners, historically-placed residents and our board.

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Integrated Healing Services: 2014-15 Programs

Social & Emotional Wellbeing and OolongBased on extensive experience and an in-depth understanding of the issues impacting the Pormpuraaw community, PPAC

has developed a model of care that embraces empowerment and is solely based on the individual or family needs. This model is inclusive and respects the rights of the consumer and encompasses a whole-of-life view. In 2011 the Australian Government announced the Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) program which consolidated the

Link Up and Bringing Them Home (BTH) programs under a single cohesive program. PPAC was funded by the Australian Government to provide SEWB counselling services, which prioritises members of the

Stolen Generations. PPAC employs one qualified Indigenous Social and Emotional Wellbeing counsellor. As at the 1st July 2014, the SEWB counsellor was case managing 98 clients in Pormpuraaw and had referred second generation

stolen generation clients to Link Up to trace family history and find loved ones. PPAC utilises the Oolong program, which is a holistic alcohol and other drug substance use program that endorses Aboriginal

culture. The results of an analyses of Pormpuraaw needs showed that Family Well Being Program’s ability to encourage healthy choices

and empower people to make behavioural change was a key element to PPAC’s work over the years. The program was developed by Indigenous Australians and focuses on Social and Emotional Well-Being and the development

of life-skills. PPAC’s Oolong Program is showed great – and measurable – results thanks to new capacities to work on outreach programs,

along with ongoing risk assessment and counselling.The service used the Gem Tool which is an outcome measure and maps the progress of service users every three months by

setting a goal and using the Staying Strong Plan. “We’ve had a number of successes, and it’s good to see peoples’ progress,” PPAC Drug and Alcohol Counsellor Wendy Cawdell-

Smith said in June 2015.

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EDUCATION& TRAINING

Alcohol, Other drugs and Mental

Health Service Networks

Health Promotion

(Collaborations and partners) Training and

employment Income security

Specialised Health

Services

Community and home care

support

Medical Services

PRIMARY HEALTH

CARE

Coping and strength based

skills

MOBILISATIONFamily

connections and support

Social, emotional, spiritual wellbeing

Recognising Consumer rights

and diginty

INCLUSION

Social Support

Accommodation support

Housing

ADVOCACY & REFERRAL PATHWAYS

pormpur paanthu way

The

APPROACH TO RECOVERY MODEL

Making choices

Action orientation

and problem solving

CULTURAL SECUR

ITY CULTURAL SAFETY

ME POWER

MODEL OF CAREEDUCATION& TRAINING

Alcohol, Other drugs and Mental

Health Service Networks

Health Promotion

(Collaborations and partners) Training and

employment Income security

Specialised Health

Services

Community and home care

support

Medical Services

PRIMARY HEALTH

CARE

Coping and strength based

skills

MOBILISATIONFamily

connections and support

Social, emotional, spiritual wellbeing

Recognising Consumer rights

and diginty

INCLUSION

Social Support

Accommodation support

Housing

ADVOCACY & REFERRAL PATHWAYS

pormpur paanthu way

The


Making choices

Action orientation

and problem solving

CULTURAL SECUR

ITY CULTURAL SAFETY

ME POWER

MODEL OF CARE

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Men’s & Women’s GroupPPAC had four male counsellors in December 2014 who, together with the men and other service providers like Jobfind

and the Remote Jobs Community Program (RJCP), worked together to support men’s groups, including a men’s recovery group and activities that lead to men and boys working together; as well as increasing family activities and supporting children in the early education centre.

Men’s Group numbers have grown with weekly meetings of attendees from the community, the Pormpuraaw Elders Justice Group, the PPAC Youth Crew, School Engagement Officer and workforce participants from JobFind, the Art Centre, Pormpuraaw Shire Council and the Clinic.

The Men’s Group has secured funding for the next three years.PPAC Bringing Them Home Counsellor Sandra Wason has been involved with the Pormpuraaw Women’s Group for eight

years along with Women’s Shelter coordinator Deborah Hobson, who has been involved since the early 1990s.In that time they have seen the emphasis of the group move from physical activities - such as healthy eating and lifestyle,

the effects of alcohol on a foetus during pregnancy - to include social and cultural wellbeing and cultural safety. The Women’s Group provides a safe place for women to yarn as well as supporting activities across the community in

partnership with other organisations. “A good thing about Pormpur Paanthu is all our services are connected together, so they don’t have to go far,” Women’s

Shelter coordinator Deborah Hobson said in March 2014.

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Early Learning ServicesPormpur Paanthu Aboriginal Corporation promotes early childhood development through early childhood

education and parenting programs for families and children living in Pormpuraaw.The HUB provides support to children and families through a wide range of activities and focuses on the

provision of early childhood development. The service encourages and supports access and participation to early childhood education in our current

Playgroup service. The service responds effectively to the diverse needs of children and families in the community including

working with families and children who find themselves in vulnerable situations. It promotes early childhood development through the use of prevention and early intervention strategies within

our CAFS service. The HUB provides a range of educational and personal development programs and activities through the Targeted Parenting Program. The service engages and integrates with a range of sectors, which intersect with children and families, which is vital to ensure a more coordinated and responsive approach to delivering services to families with children. The service also integrates with other relevant stakeholders and local level services to improve experiences of families with children. pormpur paanthu way

TheOUTSIDE SCHOOL HOURS AND VACATION CARE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Respect for diversity PRINCIPALS

High expectations

and equity

Ongoing learning and

relective practive

Partnerships with family

Secure, respectful &

reciprocal relationships

Holistic approaches

PRACTICES

Collarboration with

children

Learning through

play

Intentionality

Evaluation for wellbeing

& learning

Cultural competence

Continuity and

transitions

Environments

Effective comminicators

OUTCOMES

Connected with and

contribute to their world

Confident and involved

learners

Children have a sense of

identity

Children have a strong sense of wellbeing

pormpur paanthu way

TheOUTSIDE SCHOOL HOURS AND VACATION CARE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Respect for diversity PRINCIPALS

High expectations

and equity


relective practive

Partnerships with family

Secure, respectful &


Holistic approaches

PRACTICES

Collarboration with

children

Learning through

play

Intentionality

Evaluation for wellbeing

& learning

Cultural competence

Continuity and

transitions

Environments

Effective comminicators

OUTCOMES

Connected with and

contribute to their world

Confident and involved

learners

Children have a sense of

identity

Children have a strong sense of wellbeing

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Early Learning Services: 2014-15 ProgramsPlaygroup, Targetting Parenting and Vacation CareIn early 2014 we started using the new building for our Early Years Services, so Playgroup, Targeting Parenting and Children

and Family Support all running out of that area under the Children’s Services HUB.The new computer lab has increased our capacity to document our work and outreach to the parents.Parents themselves had also used the computers thus increasing their computer literacy. Supporting parents in transitioning

their kids from home to school was the main focus of Positive Parenting and Targeting Parenting. Our Vacation Care Programs have also run well this year.

Long Day CareApprovals for Pormpur Paanthu’s

Long Day Care Centre are almost through. PPAC staff members have undergone Braveheart Training to provide education and awareness to the children attending its early childhood education programs.

CURRUCULUM(EARLY YEARS

LEARNING FRAMEWORK) Becoming

Being

Belonging

Partnershipwith families

Secure, respectful and


PRINCIPLES

Responsivenessto children

PRACTICES

Children have a strong sense of

identity

Children are effective

communicators

Children are confident and

involved learners

LEARNING OUTCOMES

pormpur paanthu way

The


Holistic approaches

Learning through play

This model and the terms contained within are the copyright of PPAC 2014

High expectations

and equityRespect for

diversity


reflective practice

Children are connected with and contribute to their world

Children have a strong sense of

wellbeing

Learning environments

Cultural competence

Asseement for learning

Intentional teaching

LONG DAY CARE

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

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Children & Young PeoplePormpur Paanthu Aboriginal Corporation is committed to engage and empower young people to take responsibility

for improving their health and wellbeing through a range of innovative engagement tools that include youth-based ideologies and strategies that lead to economic and employment opportunities and strengthened leadership.

The project aims to develop a model for youth that encompasses long term support, mentoring and training that enables young people to take greater control and ownership of their future. And to engage in meaningful activities and a range of education and training programs and pathways across the continuum of care that will lead to better lifestyle, health, wellbeing and employment pathways; alleviate youth boredom, give a sense of purpose, and develop life skills that will contribute to the prevention of offending and assist the youth of Pormpuraaw to become responsible members of their community.

HOLISTIC HEALTHCross sectoral coordination and

better linkage between clinical and non-clinical services within the health

sector to ensure that young people are not ‘lost’ at critical transition points.

Complementary access to a range of creative, recreational and sports; adventure and cultural community services focused on employment,

IT and multi-media; income support, education, social and family support; motivational and

pro-active engagement; Leadership programs

LOCAL COORDINATION MANAGEMENT GROUP

(informed by Consultation Processes, and identified stakeholders – Pormpur Paanth,

Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council, Youth Development Unit)

ENGAGEMENT METHODOLOGIES

YOUNG PEOPLES FOCUS GROUP

CONSENTParticipation & sharing information

(Primarily supported by Youth Development Unit who coordinate other Services’ and agencies who have the capacity to engage and

work with young people)

NEEDS IDENTIFIED

PATHWAYS

CONTINUUM OF CARE reporting back period

ACTION PLANNING:Pormpuraaw Youth Group

Motivational planning promoting

self-management

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT UNIT

Senior Youth Development officer/sYouth Worker (traineeship)

Local Steering CommitteeJobfind, Pormpuraaw Aboriginal

Shire CouncilAnd Pormpur Paanthu Aboriginal

Corporation

Consultation

EX

TER

NA

L R

EFE

RR

AL

Ref

erra

ls a

re a

ccep

ted

from

age

ncie

s, p

redo

min

antl

y th

e yo

ung

pe

ople

who

are

dis

enga

ged

and

ofte

n fa

ll th

roug

h th

e ga

p

SP

ON

SO

RS

: FUN

DIN

G B

OD

IES

Funding bodies and sponsors are involved in feedback mechanism

s

pormpur paanthu way

ThePORMPURAAW YOUNG PEOPLES MODEL OF ENGAGEMENT

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Children & Young People: 2014-15 Programs

Drugs & AlcoholWithin our Social & Emotional Wellbeing work there is

a strong focus on drugs and alcohol which has produced some outstanding results, including employment for one of our most challenging clients.

Outside School Hours CareThe last term of 2014 saw an increase in the numbers

of children coming across from the school to the newly renovated Pormpurkuukyikngathar Culture, Knowledge and Learning Centre (formerly the Corner Shed).

The Culture, Knowledge and Learning Centre has become a joint-use school-age care facility with the Outside School Hours care area and, we hope, young people who are doing online schooling will take ownership of the building in the mornings.

This will be their space from whatever time they wanted to start in the morning until 2 o’clock in the afternoon.

The introduction of the HitNet Kiosk within the Culture, Knowledge Learning Centre, where the Outside School Hours Care is run has also had a significant impact.

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Pormpuraaw News December 2014

Pormpur Paanthu Aboriginal Corporation wanted the voices of youth across Cape York and beyond to be heard; and to show case the strengths and talents and dare people to dream for a future within their reach. It is up to young people to champion change, pick up the flag on the battle field and with their resilience, their aspirations and goals, their strengths and talents given them by their predecessors and ancestors – including the oral histories and lifetimes of struggles and create the Future.

More than 120 youth and nearly as many support workers and staff from Cape York, Yarrabah and as far south as Rockhampton attended five days of health and wellbeing, dance, sport and leadership workshops, and yarning circles.

The Pormpuraaw Youth Summit was organised by Pormpur Paanthu Aboriginal Corporation who was funded for twelve months by Prime Minister and Cabinet to establish a youth development program.

A one-off grant provided to the Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council by the Prime Minister & Cabinet’s Indigenous Coordination Centre (ICC) enabling the community to organise the largest Youth Summit Cape York has experienced since 1997.

Young people themselves have already decided they want the Youth Summit to be an annual event.

PPAC Chairperson Vanessa Deakin said the Summit offered Pormpuraaw youth exposure to ideas and issues beyond their own community.

“This was about empowering our youth to take control of their lives instead of just sitting down, getting dole money and living a hopeless life,” she said.

“We wanted them to have positive messages starting with ‘you don’t have to be sitting here doing nothing’.

“We hope more of our young people will want to stand up with the capacity to change their ways and not be ashamed of trying to reach their dreams.”

“This was an opportunity to positively impact people’s lives by helping create individual, families, community and societal outcomes that contribute to the safer model of care for our community.”

On the last day of the conference an aspirations document - ‘Piintharrm Thananaah’ (Strong Spirited | Mixed Family) - was handed over to a representative of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

As many as 120 youths worked and workshopped with National Indigenous Youth Leadership Academy Director Benson Saulo and his colleague Nayuka Gorrie and several other support workers in fields ranging from dance to sport to cuisine to produce the document.

Pormpuraaw Youth Summit life changing for young people

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The Youth Summit’s vision for their future reads:

“Individually we are healthy, wise, confident, empowered and are role models to those around us. We are running our own businesses, studying, educated and are professionals.Communities are unified and self-determined with strong leadership, locally owned business employing local community members and greater community control. There is also more political representation on a local, state and national level. Communities are safe, no longer affected by drugs or alcohol. Communities have built capacity, celebrate and highlight identity.People are healthy, and have greater access to education and are completing high school, TAFE and university at higher rates. People are also able to access employment opportunities. People are increasingly professional and have greater access to modern technology.Communities have adequate housing and infrastructure and have access to home ownership. The natural environment is still untouched and owned by the community. People are culturally grounded.”

It wasn’t all fun and games, everyone worked hard in Benson & Nayuka’s (pictured left)

workshops on developing a vision for their own futures, the outcome of which was the document

presented to Prime Minister & Cabinet.



Workshops covered all areas from sports through to some serious team building and then to more introspective...such as Bubble Movement with

Lachlan Boyd and Jane Barr’s Berry St ‘Living with feelings and talking up our strengths’ Thinking out loud was what it was all about.

Summit Objectives• Gain a deeper understanding of the current issues impacting

young people in their communities• Create a vision that their communities can aspire to in the future• Develop steps and identify actions to achieve the future

aspiration of their communities.• Empower young people to take ownership of the solutions• Ensure that young peoples voices and input was at the core of

the Youth Declaration and Strategy• Build connection between community groups and young people• Inspire participants to think about their future and the positive

role they can play in their community.Key recommendations as a result of the Youth Summit.It is encouraged that youth representatives from Pormpur Paanthu Aboriginal Corporation and other participating youth groups identify key stakeholders to action their recommendations.The push for community controlled initiatives and programs were something that continually came up in conversations of empowerment, pride and skill development. It was widely acknowledged that capacity building is key to transitioning communities to self-sufficiency models and governance structures in the future.It is important to acknowledge and understand the context of communities and the issues that are faced across various communities. It was heartwarming to hear young peoples’ enthusiasm to the role they can play and impact they can have in communities given the support structures. Re-framing issues and removing deficit language enables a fresh approach to ongoing and generational issues like joblessness, housing and alcohol.

Youth FestivalYoung people in Pormpuraaw spent one of the most exciting weeks of their lives showcasing their talents by

meeting, greeting, thinking, playing and working with one another during the Pormpuraaw Youth Summit in September 2014. By the end of the week they had produced a document they hope will influence decision-makers - from the Prime Minister to their own communities - into making the right choices for them and their futures. ‘Piintharrm Thananaah’ (Strong Spirited | Mixed Family) was presented to Prime Minister & Cabinet representative Laverne Burke by youth group member Stacey Conrad from Pormpuraaw and Stanley Yeatman from Yarrabah.

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Finance

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