Many ways to help close the gap

Closing the gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in urban and regional areas requires a different approach than for other parts of Queensland.

Recognising this has led to a new Queensland Government strategy and a host of projects across Queensland aimed at improving Indigenous opportunity, including:

in Far North Queensland, high school students are gaining business experience, including how to run a ‘virtual’ business, through a three-day economic management course

in the Sarina region, school students and their parents are receiving  computer literacy training — boosting the students’ employment prospects and their parents’ ability to help with homework

in the North Burnett, measures to promote the benefits of early childhood education will include engaging parents and introducing cultural activities into playgroups and kindergartens

in Redlands, outer Brisbane, the volunteer Cooee Elders group is being supported to provide early intervention, crisis and cultural support to local families at Redlands, Logan and the Gold Coast, an ‘Elders in Residence’ program is being developed, which will involve up to 15 Elders being placed in participating schools to provide support and cultural advice to Indigenous students.

Launched in August 2011, the LEAP: Learning Earning Active Places Strategy outlines how the government will work with urban and regional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to improve access to education, employment, health and housing opportunities.

deadly story: youth inspired to ‘self-empower'

Townsville youth worker Rick Garcia sees his work as “helping young people to empower themselves and be accepted in the community”.

Rick’s efforts to “make a difference”, which are related in the Department of Communities’ ‘deadly stories’ online gallery, include helping young Indigenous people to make good choices.

Naming his family as his greatest achievement, Rick adds: “My children inspire me to make good choices in their lives.”

The ‘deadly stories’ online gallery is a three-year campaign that celebrates the many achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their communities.

To share more deadly stories, visit the deadly stories gallery or deadly stories on Facebook.