Edition 4, 2013
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Staff Profiles
Fiona Jose Chief Executive Officer - Cape York Institute for Policy and Leadership
James Fa'Aoso Head of Leadership
Susan Darcy Team Leader - Academic Leaders
Irene (Penny) Barnard Administration Officer
Kaava Watson Brisbane Senior Student Support Officer
Donald Enoch Mentoring Coordinator
Joseph Wallace Training & Development Coordinator
Natalie Friday Student Support Officer - Townsville
I had an interesting experience whilst on a plane during one of my work trips heading to Sydney. I sat with a gentleman called Mike who had recently travelled to Cairns to celebrate his 50th birthday with his family. Mike came from a small country town in NSW and in the fashion of rural and remote folk, we began to share our stories. I heard of his early upbringing growing up James Fa'Aoso in the bush, spending time with siblings and cousins and as a teenager he made the brave decision to orbit and move to the city for a better quality education. He mentioned orbiting did come with its challenges such as adapting to a new environment, new cultural norms and starting all over again in making new friends. Mike now lives back in his country town where he grew up raising his own family. He operates his own business where he employs locals providing them with the necessary skills and training to be successful employees. Mike attributes his success today to his important decision to orbit. Many of our members and students experience and understand the necessity of orbiting. Our graduation and awards event held in Cairns recently amongst parents, partner schools and partner organisations celebrated the wonderful achievements of our members. During their time with CYLP, our 2012 and 2013 Academic Secondary, Tertiary and Youth Leader graduates have experienced the process of orbiting. Some may return to their community immediately, whilst others will choose to gain further education and skills in the workforce away from their community. In my conversations with these graduates, I hear the consistent theme of an unwavering determination and sense of responsibility to help and give back to their mob. As a member of CYLP and now as Head of Leadership, I have consistently seen members orbit whilst remaining connected to their community and the Cape. Our members become better natural leaders, influencing their families, contributing to the workforce and assisting with improving their community. I am so proud of the achievements of all our members. We are growing in strength and in numbers from CYLP's inception of only 12 individuals to now over 600 members. We are changing the landscape of Indigenous leadership and authority in Cape York. I am excited to see what the future holds for our people. Please enjoy the graduation photos throughout the newsletter.
Contents
James Fa'Aoso Head of Leadership
Staff & Welcome Note................................................ 2 Academic Leaders Secondary.................................3-9 People Excellence................................................ 10-14 Upcoming Dates......................................................... 15 Donations & Support................................................. 16
Macquarie Group Foundation
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Welcome Note
Staff Profiles and Welcome Note
Contact us Level 3, 139 Grafton Street, Cairns QLD 4870 PO Box 3099, Cairns QLD 4870 P: 4046 0600 F: 4046 0601 E: info@cyi.org.au The Cape York Institute champions reform in Indigenous economic and social policies. We support the development of current and future Cape York leaders.
Academic Leaders Secondary
Brisbane Term 4 has been an absolute whirlwind. Most notable is the graduation of nine seniors from four partner schools in Brisbane. Senior Student Support Officer, Kaava Watson took pleasure in attending a number of the graduation ceremonies with senior students and their families. This year has seen an exceptional group of students complete their secondary education and depart our program. We sincerely thank them for their leadership shown throughout the years. In saying goodbye to our year 12’s, we welcome next year’s new seniors for 2014. At Stuartholme School, Valerie Tamwoy has been elected Captain of Grenoble House (boarding) as well as Sports Captain of Coen House. Shannen Castors has also been elected in Vice-Captain of Amiens House (boarding) for 2014. We congratulate both girls on their appointment and know they will step up to their duties with great leadership. We also welcome our new 2014 year 8’s who travelled to Brisbane schools for interviews. We look forward to welcoming them to our ranks next year, beginning with our Leadership Camp. Thank you to all of our Brisbane students for another strong year, and thank you to the families who supported our students in 2013. We wish you a happy and safe summer and look forward to catching up in the New Year.
Term 4 Catch Up at Roma St Parklands Towards the end of term our seniors took the opportunity to bring Brisbane students together for lunch at Roma Street Parklands. We were fortunate to have a number of visitors join us, including Head of Leadership James Fa’Aoso, Westpac Jawun Seconde Kristin Reilly, and Julius Miller who took some great footage of the touch football match and interviews with students. The day was a great opportunity for students to catch up before exams, as well as saying farewell to our departing seniors. We also conducted interviews with students about their journey on the program and what it has meant to them personally. We thank all of those students for contributing. The footage is fantastic and played a centrepiece during our graduation ceremony in Cairns.
Brisbane Academic Secondary Students
Academic Leaders Secondary
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Academic Leaders Secondary
Rockhampton
Miranda Bulsey and Jasmine Holroyd
end Noah with fri d Catherine an s or st Ca Shonelle
Rockhampton Girls Gramm ar students with James Fa’ Aoso on
a school visit
At Rockhampton Girls Grammar this term, students have been busy finalising their subjects and working hard on their assessment pieces. All students worked with dedication over the term and achieved some excellent results!
Year 10 students organised a farewell dinner for their year 12 sisters and it was a lovely event. Year 11 students were able to participate in a Queensland Core Skills practice day to help them prepare for the big day in 2014.
CYLP students participated in a range of activities. The year 8 students visited the Capricorn Caves and were able to take a tour through the limestone cave system and view a range of wildlife. Year 9 students were pleased with their NAPLAN results especially Mirinda Bulsey and Jasmine Holroyd who achieved at or above the state average in writing. Jasmine also achieved very good results in reading.
Congratulations to Jasmine Holroyd for achieving Half Colours for her fantastic effort qualifying for the Rockhampton District Athletics in discus and shot put.
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Academic Leaders Secondary
The school was excited to meet new CYLP enrolments for 2014 and enjoyed having them stay during Orientation Weekend. RGG wishes all our CYLP students and their families a safe and enjoyable holiday period and we look forward to seeing you at the 2014 Orientation Day.
Academic Leaders Secondary
Townsville This term has been extremely busy for our Townsville schools with students excelling both in and out of the classroom. Sporting and academic results for this term have been fantastic and all students should be very proud of their achievements. With the year coming to an end many students were ready to sit final exams and prepare for their formal.
Kym Kepple and Tyrone Christian-Reys travelled to the United Kingdom for the Rugby/Netball tour. Both students enjoyed their stay and sightseeing in London. They said it was an event they will remember forever. Kym and Tyrone are great role models for younger students at the school. Kym and Tyrone, we wish you both the best in your future endeavours.
Students achieved well academically and their results are a reward to their dedication and hard work. Students received many high and very high marks and we congratulate them for their effort throughout the year.
Kyiesha, Urina, Sam, Marshall and Joel also excelled in the sporting arena representing their school in athletics and a variety of sports. Well done to all students for completing the year with a tremendous effort!
Cathedral students, Townsville with James Fa’Aos o on a
school visit
Academic Leaders Secondary
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Academic Leaders Secondary Our Academic Leaders for 2012 and 2013 graduated in a ceremony held at the Cairns Pacific International. Students received a certification in recognition of their achievement. Students, Courtney Minniecon and Trey Kemp gave inspiring speeches on their journeys and accomplishments. Please read excerpts from their speeches below.
ALS 2012 and 2013 Graduates
It highlighted for me what this program really offers to the Indigenous communities of Cape York… a chance. A chance to prove that we are capable, and a chance to close the gap between community and main stream Australia.” “My entire high school journey is thanks to my community, my family, my school and the CYI program that saw my potential and helped me to achieve the best I could by giving me the opportunity to have the means to do everything I have. - ALS Graduate Courtney Minniecon
Being on the Cape York Leadership Program has been a privilege and is something I am truly grateful for. It has given me the best resources and opportunity to excel through my schooling years not only with my education but also with my sports. Providing support and pushing me to achieve the best I can in all areas. - ALS Graduate Trey Kemp James Fa’Aoso with students Courtney Minniecon and Trey Kemp
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Academic Leaders Secondary
Academic Leaders Secondary
Uleta Miller
Antoinette Creek
Tegan Turvey Kinsharsa Nallaja
Leearna Burke Kia Yeatman
Tyrone Chris
Chevez Mor to
tian-Reys
n
Above: 2012 Graduates.
Below: 2013 Graduates
Cr ystal Thom
Mahalia Chris
as
tian
Kelam Nona
Kemuel Tamwoy
Assan Sam
Giuseppe Dix
Shonae Hobson Jasmine Salam
Kym Kepple
Academic Leaders Secondary
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Academic Leaders Secondary
Marijke Bassani
CYLP ACADEMIC LEADERS TERITARY GRADUATION SPEECH
hand I am proud to stand here before you today as an Indigenous woman from the Cape, with Bindthii, Wadarr, and lama lama blood lines, having just completed a double degree of laws and politics. The Cape York Institute’s program raises the standard of achievement amongst our people and our communities by creating opportunities that pave the way for a life of success. Over the course of my eight year involvement with the Cape York Academic Leaders Program, I was engaged in various mentoring, speaking and promotional initiatives. These opportunities have further contributed to my existing skill set and have aided and equipped me to take leadership roles in the real world whilst bestowing me with the honour of promoting the plight of our people, and engaging the wider community into understanding just how deadly blackfellas from Cape York really are.
James Fa'Aoso with Marijke Bassani
For those of you who do not know me, my name is Marijke Bassani and I commenced my journey with the Cape York Institute as an Academic leader at the tender age of 15. For those of you who do know me, you will be aware that my journey has not been an easy one. Like many in the audience tonight I have worked very hard and have made many sacrifices to be standing here today. It is through reflecting upon this reality, that I have come to realise that leaving my family, my home and everything I ever knew to attend boarding school all those years ago, merely marked the beginning of the challenges I was yet to face; challenges that would have been all the more difficult to overcome without the support and guidance of the Cape York Leaders Program. The Cape York Leaders Program aims to build the confidence and skills of its members, through facilitating various educational opportunities, to this end it can be seen that ‘fortune favours the brave’. It follows, that those of us who display resilience in the face of adversity and persist along our endeavours eventually reach that mythical ‘light at the end of the tunnel’. With this in
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Academic Leaders Secondary
I stand before you today humbled by my experiences and the support that I have received from the Cape York Institute. I would strongly advise all Indigenous students fortunate enough to participate in this program to take the opportunity with both hands and make every post a winner, it is a journey and experience you will not regret. Indigenous people in Australia are unique, we have blackfella problems. Through my experience the trick has been to not let these challenges disempower you, but rather to empower and inspire. Use these opportunities not for a hand out but a hand up. My message here today is that education is the vehicle through which future indigenous generations can truly fulfil their true potentials.
Family and friends I thank you for your love and support. To my second family at the Cape York Institute, again, I stand here humbled before you and thank you also for your love and support.
Tanika Deemal-Parker
CYLP ACADEMIC LEADERS TERITARY GRADUATION SPEECH
The person standing before you tonight is not the same person who signed up to join the Cape York Leadership program, six years ago. My journey began at the tender age of 16, when the opportunity to apply for a scholarship and engage with the initiative being driven through the Cape York Leaders Program was brought to my attention. Realising what a fantastic program it was, I jumped at the chance and have not looked back since. Over the course of my educational endeavours I was driven by the will to better myself as an individual, student and Indigenous woman with a focus on one day being able to give back to or contribute to my community. Quite simply, this program facilitates opportunities for participants to grow in many different ways, essentially I see it as a program that allows people to fulfil their full potential, and actually develops future leaders‌. And who knows maybe even the first Indigenous female Prime Minister. Many of the people in the crowd here tonight and indeed those who participate in the CYI Program share a similar story to mine. Typically, being uprooted from community schools within our communities, taking a leap of faith, and relocating to many of the most well-known and prestigious schools across the state. This in itself is a challenge that many students struggle with as family and country are first and foremost for Bamangay. However, the lure of a better education, coupled with opportunity to realise our dreams and aspirations in some ways helps to extinguish the fears and terror associated with leaving home and family for the first time. But home is always where the heart is and looking back on my experiences I can remember on a number of occasions ringing home just to see what muyi all the mob down home were having for dinner.
James Fa'Aoso and Tanika Deemal-Parker at the CYLP Graduation Ceremony
In true blackfella style my brothers and sisters would always tell me they were having my favourite dish (wapol stew) just to stir me up but somehow these phone calls seemed to place me within the circle of home. Notwithstanding this and from the outset of my involvement with the program, CYI Mentors challenged my views and beliefs not only about myself, but how I viewed the wider community and my place within it. Gradually, I began to foresee how I envisaged not only my future but the person that I wanted to be in the future. This allowed me to crystallise and align my capabilities with my aspirations in giving back not only to my community but the wider Indigenous community in general, triggering a determination to make changes for the advancement of Indigenous people. In light of this, and for giving me the opportunity to grow as a person, and experience educational and life experiences I would not have otherwise had, I extend my gratitude and thanks to the Cape York Institute and all those who support and contribute to their vision. The last three years of university have been a huge step for me, as a woman and also as an Indigenous leader. The Cape York Leaders Program has helped me grow and develop into a mature member of my community, and also give me the skills and conviction to lead from the front thus the leader I want to be. Education and the knowledge and power that comes with that is the key, as an educated black woman, an even greater force to be reckoned with I am now equipped with the confidence to speak out on real issues that we are faced with every day as Indigenous people. My dream is to either build a medical centre back home in Hope Vale or enhance many of the facilities to promote healthy living amongst communities and promote better choices and healthier living options. In the long term I hope to be able to drive these initiatives and schemes in similar communities throughout the world. I have a passion for success and will strive to complete what I have started, again here a trait I developed from the program, my hope is to leave a standing legacy, one which younger generations both Indigenous and non-Indigenous can aspire to and follow with pride. I acknowledge that I had many supports not only from the Institute but also from my community, through Hope Vale Shire Council. Family support has also played a major role in my life and I cannot thank enough, Eileen-Joan my eldest sister for making sacrifices in her life for me to succeed in my own. Put simply, the Cape York Leaders Program has fuelled my determination in returning to Hope Vale one day for the purpose of making a change for my people and younger generation, ultimately empowering Indigenous people and communities. I will hopefully be able to inspire them just as I have been inspired by CYI. Thank you.
Academic Leaders Secondary
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People Excellence
Youth Leaders CYLP Youth Leaders have extended themselves lately by participating in programs to further develop their skills. Some of their inspiring stories are featured below.
I felt more confident in working in a mainstream organisation. It was different to community lifestyle. It has definitely made me think about leaving my community for a change just for work.
Aldene Reuben is currently undertaking further studies through Cairns Tropical North Queensland Institute of TAFE. Having had the opportunity to participate in the Youth Leaders Program at CYI, Aldene’s confidence and aspirations have moved him into higher educational training as part of his role with the NPARC Council. Tahirah Christian recently visited Cairns to participate in a week long work experience placement at PVS Workfind Earlville. Tahirah is currently working with the NPARC Council as Administration/ Finance Officer. Tahirah saw this as an opportunity to step “outside” her community and work within a mainstream organisation assisting Indigenous people find employment and training opportunities within the community of Cairns.
Tahirah Christian
Priscilla Banu and Clinton Sullivan have now officially graduated from Djarragun College successfully completing year 12 in 2013. Both Clinton Sullivan and Priscilla Banu actively participated in the CYLP Youth Leaders Program and graduated with a Certificate II in Business Administration. Priscilla is now applying for entry into a Bachelor of Business degree at university. Clinton is looking at pursuing his sporting career in AFL, and participating in a traineeship next year.
ing his residential block training Youth Leader Member Aldene Reuben attend e of TAFE in Cairns Institut at Tropical North Queensland Tahirah Christian at PVS Workfind Earlvil le Employment Agency in Cairns
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People Excellence - Youth Leaders
People Excellence
Skilling Leaders Our CYLP Skilling Leaders had the opportunity to travel to Cairns recently for the Cape York Institute graduation, held at the Pacific International. Members received Certificates of Achievement as part of their training and development for the Certificate IV in Frontline Management delivered by the Australian Institute of Management. Below are pictures of James with the Skilling Leader graduates.
Angela Lui
Phillip Jose Lavinia Thomas
Colin Dough Boy
Lucy Hobson
Deanne Greenwool
Ruth Wone
People Excellence - Skilling Leaders
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People Excellence
Excelling Members CYLP Excelling members successfully completed their Executive Leadership Program in Neuro Power Learning and Development with Managing Director, Shelley Evans-Wild. All members felt they had come a long way in terms of their personality, thinking, and how the Neuro Power Learning and Development Framework had an impact on them. All members reflected on their journey since commencing 18 months ago and how far they have advanced. Members thanked Shelley for her support in assisting their own personal “Learning Development” and their characters.
Members also reflected on each other’s progress and noted how each of them have grown and come out of their shells and embraced the training workshops. Overall members felt privileged and honoured to have participated in the Neuro Power Learning Development Framework. While Excelling members’ received certificates of recognition at the graduation dinner, their journeys have not yet finished.
k, Doreen Hart, Audrey Deemal, L to R: Timothy (Rick) Phineasa, Harold Ludwic Juanita Davis, Moira Bosen and Leisyle Blanco
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Academic People Excellence Leaders Tertiary - Excelling Members
People Excellence
Excelling Leaders Members' Quotes
Audrey Deemal
Harold Ludwick
Juanita Davis
This last workshop, the penny finally dropped, I now understand the different way of learning as well as finding different ways of doing things to enable myself and my team to build capabilities personally and within my group whether it’s with work or amongst family. Audrey Deemal, Excelling Leaders Member
The Excelling Leaders Program has been a powerful tool to self-discovery as well as being the catalyst to future self-development. I’ve held positions that require focus and determination including judgement that can either hinder or benefit the work I undertake, with tools from the Excelling Leaders I now can make choices without wasting time second guessing whether I should or shouldn’t. Harold Ludwick, Excelling Leader Member
Doreen Hart
Rick Phineasa
Moira Bosen
Leisyle Blanco
People Excellence - Excelling Leaders Members Quotes
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People Excellence
Mentoring
Members at training
The mentoring training for 2013 was successfully completed with CYLP participants becoming members of the mentor pool. With the mentor pool now established more mentoring workshops and recruiting will occur in 2014. The next step is to recruit mentorees. To apply to become a CYLP mentoree minimum requirements need to be met. The following criteria will be used to assist with identifying and pairing you and your mentor: •Y ou need to be a participant in the Academic Leaders, Youth Leaders, Skilling Leaders' or Excelling Leaders' phase • You have the support and buy-in from your school or employee • You have a strong desire to be mentored • You are able to commit to regular meetings with your mentor • You constantly strive for ongoing development opportunities •Y ou show initiative and take responsibility for your own learning development •You accept responsibility for your own decisions and actions •You maintain confidence •You have the ability to learn from mistakes •You are self-motivated and possess a positive attitude • You are willing to be honest about your strengths, development areas and experiences •You need to demonstrate assertiveness and initiative •You are prepared to step out of your comfort zone
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People Excellence - Mentoring
Once all criteria is met you can complete a mentoree registration form and submit it to the Mentoring Coordinator for review. Both the mentoree and the mentor profiles provide valuable tools to assist in reviewing and matching the most appropriate partnership. The mentoree profile will assist in clarifying and establishing your objectives and preferences for your mentor partnership. The mentor profile will assist CYLP staff in identifying and selecting the most appropriate mentor for your needs. The mentoring program will provide some structure, tools and guidance for you as a participant, however the process and outcomes will be managed and driven by you and your mentor. CYLP look forward to receiving mentoree registration forms from those who would like CYLP to assist in sourcing a mentor. Please do not hesitate to contact CYLP to obtain mentoree registration form.
We must open the doors of opportunity. But we must also equip our people to walk through those doors.
Upcoming Dates Important dates to remember
January
ACADEMIC LEADERS SECONDARY Thursday 23 to Monday 27 January
cyi.org.au
e hes t p Keeates inry d dia your
@CapeYorkInst facebook.com/CapeYorkInstitute
Academic Leaders Program 2014 Camp Cape York Institute For Policy & Leadership
Tuesday 28 January – Term 1 Commences Brisbane Boys College Wednesday 29 January – Term 1 Commences Brisbane Grammar School Stuartholme School Marist College Ashgrove St Peter’s Lutheran College The Cathedral School of St Anne & St James Columba Catholic College Clayfield College Rockhampton Girls Grammar
Merry C hristmas from
an o t d r a w r o We look f 014 2 in r a e y exciting THE CYI OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAY PERIOD FROM 1:00PM TUESDAY, 24 DECEMBER TO THURSDAY, 2 JANUARY 2014.
Important dates
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Donations and Support Every gift makes a difference to our students and graduates, today and in the future. Gifts and donations can be made as one off payments or can be pledged over a number of years to suit the circumstances of the donor. All gifts will be used in the manner designated by the donor. Our success depends not only on the future generosity of our partners, but on donations from individuals, community groups and philanthropic organisations. Reasons for making a gift to Cape York Institute vary greatly. Making a donation is a very personal experience and we encourage you to support an area of special interest to you. If you do not have a preference on where to direct your support, you may elect to provide discretionary funds which Cape York Institute can divert to high priority areas and needs. All gifts of $2 or more are tax-deductible. If you would like to support the development of current and future Indigenous Leaders and policy reform, make a donation today by visiting www.cyi.org.au/support-us or post your cheque to Cape York Institute, PO Box 3099, Cairns QLD 4870.
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