Leadership The Cape York Leaders Program (CYLP) supports the development of current and future leaders. This section covers adult Leaders. CYLP is supported by an Indigenous Steering Committee, populated by current and alumni members. The Steering Committee plays a central role in assisting CYLP staff to ensure the Program remains relevant and continues to provide highquality support to Leaders.
MEMBERSHIP Since 2005, CYLP has supported and nurtured
411 adult Leaders. Our Leaders have cultural connections across Cape York
and Yarrabah. They orbit from these areas to attend training and support workshops in Cairns. By orbiting across the State, these Leaders are learning to walk, with confidence, in two worlds.
Between January–June, our focus was on (1) organising a Youth Summit1 to be held in October, which will bring CYLP Alumni together to harness their hopes and aspirations for themselves and for Cape York, and (2) activating our alumni to form the newly appointed CYLP Steering Committee.
POSITIVE OUTCOMES AND IMPACTS OF CYLP
Community members apply for and are accepted into the Cape York Leaders Program; they actively engage, attending skill-building workshops and taking up work opportunities.
Increased confidence and work skills
Improved leadership ability and work readiness
Increased fulfilment of leadership roles
WHAT ARE OUR LEADERS SAYING ABOUT CYLP? “I am one of the first CYLP graduates. Some of my key achievements have been mainly around project management and being able to bring the voice of Indigenous people from Cape York to the table. I have been involved in opportunities which have allowed me to use skills, which otherwise would never have been on my radar. I have had the privilege to work with and access some of the best minds in the fields of analysis, engagement and also self-reflection. It definitely provided a space to enhance my public speaking skills and boost the self-confidence I already possess. “The experiences in work-related engagement have emanated from CYLP Alumni and belonging to a group of people from communities who want to achieve [a higher purpose] gives a sense of belonging. Being involved in the Welfare Reform Agenda has been particularly an eye-opener in how we can change our position within our communities by being less side-tracked by the smaller issues in life and looking at the bigger picture. The Education Sector has always held an appeal for me as I can relate to sub-standard [education] practices, which have kept us from showing our true sense of worth.” Tracey Ludwick is a Stakeholder Engagement Officer at Good to Great Schools Australia. She is a strong advocate for education reform across the Cape.
1 The Cape York Youth Summit, which was originally planned for the January–June period, has been postponed until October 2020 due to COVID-19. Aimed at the next generation of Indigenous leaders on the Cape, the Summit will be attended by over 100 alumni from across Cape York providing the opportunity for connection and empowerment. The Summit will enable these young adults to make a greater and more profound impact on their own lives and identify how they can come together to be a force for positive change in the Cape and across the nation.
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