Learning Earning Active Places around the state

LEAP – Learning Earning Active Places is a new strategy to improve the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Queensland’s urban and regional areas.

Stylin’ sisters

A two-day workshop in Ingham has taught 30 young women about leadership, health and self-esteem. Backed by $9500 of LEAP funding, the Sisters Stylin’ Up in Ingham workshop was run by Hinchinbrook Shire Council on 24–25 November. It also covered first aid skills, social networking and personal safety, and a fashion parade was organised on the last day for the participants and their families as a celebration.

Little dancers

Beginning in January, some of Proserpine’s youngest will learn about their culture from some of the area’s oldest. The Proserpine Little Dancers – girls aged 3 to 15 – will receive six months of tuition from traditional owners and cultural mentors. They will also be helped with transport to regional events like the Whitsunday Regional Council festival and NAIDOC celebrations. The project will be run by Proserpine Indigenous Reference Group and has $3500 LEAP funding.

Pioneer play

Centacare has received $9800 to help Mount Isa playgroups to cater for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 0 to 5. Centacare will provide playgroup activities for 10 to 20 children for 40 weeks at Gardner Street Park. The LEAP funding will be used to employ a staff member, to buy equipment and materials, and for catering. As part of the program, there will be assistance for families with employment, health or educational barriers.

Inspiring youth

Central Queensland University hosted a one-week sports program for Indigenous youths in September. The program promoted the links between wellbeing, healthy lifestyles and education, and tried to inspire the participants to go further with their education. It was open to sixty 10 to 15-year-olds; 20 each from Rockhampton, Capricorn Coast and Mount Morgan and received $7200 from LEAP.

Indigenous members

Hervey Bay Police Citizens Youth Club has embarked on a quest to boost its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander membership. The program started with cultural awareness training for PCYC employees. This month, a trainee will be hired for 12 months to broker formal partnerships with five Indigenous community organisations so that they become associate members of the club. The club received $7850.

Early years boost

Eidsvold Aboriginal Housing and Community Development Society has received $10,000 to increase Indigenous participation in early childhood education programs. The society will organise community forums and workshops where parents can learn about the benefits of early childhood education. An Indigenous trainee will be employed to work with the local playgroup and kindergarten. The society will also develop cultural activities to fit in with existing playgroup and kindergarten activities, and buy other cultural resources for both groups.

Be strong

Up to 20 workshops will be held around Logan to boost life opportunities for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. “Be strong, stay strong and be in control” will be run by Deadly Solutions with $5000 of LEAP funding. The workshops will increase participants’ educational and employment opportunities, their life skills and personal choices.

Bowen socialisation

Bowen’s Elders will be faced with a bevy of new services to reduce their social isolation. Girudala Community Cooperative Society has received $3500 to organise weekly book club and yarning sessions for about 15 people as a way of stimulating them mentally and drawing them together in a social atmosphere. The money will be used to buy books, art and craft materials and catering. Health and wellbeing services will be included in the program. The program will run for eight weeks.

For more information, visit: http://www.communities.qld.gov.au/gateway/