Leadership Programs
Cape York Institute for Policy & Leadership - Home
Cape York Institute for Policy & Leadership - Home

The Cape York Institute was established in July 2004 as an independent policy and leadership organisation. The Institute champions reform in Indigenous economic and social polices and supports the development of current and future Cape York leaders. The Institute’s Director is Noel Pearson, an Aboriginal leader and activist from the community of Hopevale.

The Institute was developed in partnership with the people of Cape York and Griffith University, with financial support from the Queensland and Australian Governments. It is focussed on issues in Cape York but aims to have a national influence.

Our guiding framework is the CAPE YORK AGENDA which aims to ensure that Cape York people have the capabilities to choose a life that they have reason to value. This range of choices is enriched not only by income, but also other capabilities such as education, health and communities.

Our work falls into three broad areas: policy and research, dissemination and leadership development.

Policy and Research

The Institute undertakes short-to-medium-term policy/research projects across a wide range of economic and social policy issues. Our aim is to develop rigorous yet practical policy solutions that have a decisive impact on Indigenous disadvantage.

Some examples of ongoing policy and research include:

Welfare Reform - our most important reform initiative

Education - initiatives to improve literacy rates and teacher quality

Economic maximisation - policies that underpin the creation of economic activity

Substance abuse - policies to reduce both the demand and supply of alcohol and drugs

For more information on these and other policy areas, please refer to the tabs on the left hand side of this home page.

Idea Dissemination

The Institute contributes to national public debate through holding regular public seminars, publishing articles and essays (including a regular column in The Weekend Australian), and through keynote speeches by the Director. In 2007 we held our inaugural national conference Strong Foundations - Rebuilding Social Norms In Indigenous Communities.

Leadership Development

A number of programs aim to develop the capabilities of current and future leaders.

Leadership Academy

The Academy assists current and potential Cape York leaders to expand their personal and professional skills for effective leadership. It conducts annual program of workshops, assemblies, individual training programs and community-based leadership projects.

Higher Expectations Program (Secondary)

In partnership with the Macquarie Group Foundation, this initiative identifies and supports Indigenous Cape York students to attend high-performing boarding schools in Queensland. In 2007, we had our first HEP students graduate from Year 12, with each going onto tertiary studies.

Higher Expectations Program (Tertiary)

This program targets talented Cape York Indigenous young people 17-30 years of age and provides intensive support to complete higher education qualifications. By receiving a combination of holistic case-management, leadership training and professional mentoring, participants are able to maximise their opportunities for educational achievement, career development and effective leadership within their communities.

Youth Community Action Project

Established by Young Australian of the Year 2007, Tania Major, this project engages young people in volunteer projects in their communities. It aims to foster initiative, self-reliance and develop local youth leadership capacities.

 




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