CAPE YORK

 

OVERVIEW

Cape York is on the northern tip of Queensland and encompasses the area north of Port Douglas. 

Jawun has been operational in Cape York since 2001 and is fondly considered the birthplace of Jawun. 

Of the 17 remote communities across Cape York, Jawun has historically supported Aurukun, Coen, Cooktown, Gordonvale, Hope Vale, Kowanyama, Lockhart River, Mossman, Pormpuraaw, Seisia, Umagico and Weipa. 

Published in 2000, Noel Pearson’s paper ‘Our Right to Take Responsibility’ set the early agenda for Cape York as well as Jawun itself. In 2005, Noel Pearson’s ‘Cape York Reform Agenda’ – the right of Cape York people to have the capabilities ‘to choose a life that they have reason to value’ – became the foundation for much of the work in the region, including the Cape York Welfare Reform trials and establishment of the Family Responsibility Commission. 

This new approach to welfare was initially trialled in the Cape York communities of Aurukun, Coen, Hope Vale and Mossman Gorge. The reforms, which have now been in place since 2008, are based on the view that to engage individuals in the real economy, and for there to be social development in communities, four things must occur: 

  • Rebuilding of norms 

  • Reform of incentives 

  • Normalisation of housing 

  • A retreat of government from the domain of individual responsibility 

Building on the original reforms a new Agenda, Pama Futures, was developed in 2018 following extensive community engagement to concentrate on a sustainable future for the people of Cape York. 

WORKING WITH THE COMMUNITY

FIELD TEAM

  • Journey Director

    Nicola is a HR and Administration professional, experienced in both the private and not-for-profit sector. She started her professional life in Hospitality as a cadet for the ACCOR chain before becoming involved in safety, quality, environment and eventually large project administration in the Civil and Commercial Construction Industries.

    Prior to working with Jawun, she worked with Queensland’s largest Indigenous construction company, Bama Services, in the capacity of Administration Manager. During this time she worked closely with the leadership team developing and implementing an “ISO” standard Integrated Management System across their five principal business streams.

  • General Manager, Collaborative Futures

    Hayley Vincent is a proud multicultural Wiradjuri woman whose family connections trace to the Kalari (Lachlan) River in New South Wales.

    Hayley commenced as Jawun General Manager, Collaborative Futures, having previously served as Acting General Manager, Partner Engagement from 2025 to 2026. She joined Jawun as Partnerships Director in 2023.

    Hayley came to Jawun with experience across local and federal government and academic environments, including undertaking a secondment in the East Kimberley. Since joining Jawun, she has held leadership roles across partnership engagement and capability management, contributing to the growth of relationships and networks that support Indigenous-led outcomes.

    Professionally, Hayley is passionate about progressing Indigenous-led reform by creating opportunities for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples to come together, learn from one another and contribute through their chosen disciplines and professions. She is committed to strengthening the relationships, networks and partnerships that support Indigenous-led aspirations and create lasting impact.

    Personally, Hayley draws strength from the knowledge that this work is embedded in the fibres of her being. Her commitment not only nurtures an intrinsic part of who she is, but also honours the resilience, healing and hard work of the generations who came before her, and the enduring connection to the Country she calls home.

CASE STUDIES

Case studies show how Jawun secondees have achieved real results. If you are interested to learn more about Jawun's work in this region, click on the case studies below.

THE DAVID WILLIAMS FELLOWSHIP

HOPE VALE BANANA FARM

DJARRAGUN COLLEGE

CAPE YORK ABORIGINAL AUSTRALIAN ACADEMY

BAMA SERVICES

CAPE YORK GIRL ACADEMY

BALKANU ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

BAMA SERVICES

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