1. 1
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
3. 3
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
4. 4
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.
Awomen’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.
Vision
To 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 Role
Pormpur 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 Wellbeing
The 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:
• Theneedtoencouragereciprocalmaintenance–totakecareofeachother,ourcommunitiesandournaturalenvironment.
• 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
• Healthpromotionactivitiesthatgeneratelivingandworkingconditionsthatissafe,stimulating,satisfyingandenjoyable.
Corporate Vision
• To apply reflective and empowering practices, and emotional intelligence to Organisational wellbeing
• Deliveron ‘Country’programs in all service areas that contribute to social emotionalwellbeing 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
6. 6
Community
Pormpur 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 ourprograms 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 communitygovernancewhichwill 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 DIRECTORS
COMPANY SECRETARY MEDIA AND
MARKETING ADVISOR
ADVISORY GROUP
ACCOUNTANT
EXECUTIVEMANAGEMENTOPERATIONS
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
ADMINISTRATION
SERVICES
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 Members
The 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.
Governance
Pormpur 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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CEO
The 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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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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IntegratedHealingServices:2014-15Programs
Social & Emotional Wellbeing and Oolong
Based 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 FamilyWell 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
MOBILISATION
Family
connections
and support
Social, emotional,
spiritual wellbeing
Recognising
Consumer rights
and diginty
INCLUSION
Social
Support
Accommodation
support
Housing
ADVOCACY &
REFERRAL
PATHWAYS
mpur
anthuway
TO RECOVERY MODEL
Making
choices
Action
orientation
and problem
solving
CULTURAL S
ECURITY
CULTURAL
SAFETY ME
POWER
MODEL
OFCAREEDUCATION
& 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
MOBILISATION
Family
connections
and support
Social, emotional,
spiritual wellbeing
Recognising
Consumer rights
and diginty
INCLUSION
Social
Support
Accommodation
support
Housing
ADVOCACY &
REFERRAL
PATHWAYS
pormpur
paanthuway
The
APPROACH TO RECOVERY MODEL
Making
choices
Action
orientation
and problem
solving
CULTURAL S
ECURITY
CULTURAL
SAFETY
ME
POWER
MODEL
OFCARE
16. 16
Men’s & Women’s Group
PPAC 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 PormpuraawWomen’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.
17. 17
Early Learning Services
Pormpur 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
paanthuway
The
OUTSIDE 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
paanthuway
The
OUTSIDE 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
18. 18
Early Learning Services: 2014-15 Programs
Playgroup, Targetting Parenting and Vacation Care
In 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 Care
Approvals 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
Partnership
with families
Secure,
respectful and
reciprocal
relationships
PRINCIPLES
Responsiveness
to children
PRACTICES
Children have a
strong sense of
identity
Children are
effective
communicators
Children are
confident and
involved
learners
LEARNING
OUTCOMES
pormpur
paanthuway
The
APPROACH TO RECOVERY MODEL
Holistic
approaches
Learning
through play
This model and the terms contained within are the copyright of PPAC 2014
High
expectations
and equity
Respect for
diversity
Ongoing
learning and
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
19. 19
Children & Young People
Pormpur 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
educationandtrainingprogramsandpathwaysacrossthecontinuumofcarethatwillleadtobetterlifestyle,health,wellbeing
andemploymentpathways;alleviateyouthboredom,giveasenseofpurpose,anddeveloplifeskillsthatwillcontributetothe
prevention of offending and assist the youth of Pormpuraaw to become responsible members of their community.
HOLISTIC HEALTH
Cross 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
CONSENT
Participation & 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/s
Youth Worker (traineeship)
Local Steering Committee
Jobfind, Pormpuraaw Aboriginal
Shire Council
And Pormpur Paanthu Aboriginal
Corporation
Consultation
EXTERNALREFERRAL
Referralsareacceptedfromagencies,predominantlytheyoung
peoplewhoaredisengagedandoftenfallthroughthegap
SPONSORS:FUNDINGBODIES
Fundingbodiesandsponsorsareinvolvedinfeedbackmechanisms
pormpur
paanthuway
The
PORMPURAAW YOUNG PEOPLES MODEL OF ENGAGEMENT
20. 20
Children & Young People: 2014-15 Programs
Drugs & Alcohol
Within 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.
OutsideSchoolHoursCare
The 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 facilitywith 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.
15
www. pormpurpaanthu.com.au
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 PormpuraawAboriginal
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
21. 21
17
www. pormpurpaanthu.com.au
Pormpuraaw News December 2014
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.
21
www. pormpurpaanthu.com.au
Pormpuraaw News December 2014
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 avision 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
• Inspireparticipantstothinkabouttheirfutureandthepositive
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
roletheycanplayandimpacttheycanhaveincommunitiesgiven
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 Festival
Young 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.
