Yarrabah Mayor Ross Andrews on state government Local Thriving Communities plan

A council will receive $150,000 from the state government for a project to tackle domestic and family violence in a Far North community.

YARRABAH Aboriginal Shire Council will receive $150,000 from the state government for a project to tackle domestic and family violence in the Far North community.

The Queensland government’s Local Thriving Communities action plan, to be launched on Monday, has been hailed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Craig Crawford as the “next significant milestone in the reform journey”.

“Local Thriving Communities is a different approach which draws on the strengths of community and culture,” the Barron River MP said.

“We recognise that the greatest progress is achieved when First Nations people lead the way.

“We will be working together with First Nations leaders and communities to codesign and implement reform, and establish local decision-making bodies.”

Local Yarrabah man Horace Yeatman said the introduction of the plan looks positive for the township.

“I’ve lived in Yarrabah all my life and I just want the best future for my kids,” the 34-year-old said.

“We’ve got the best of both worlds, our traditional ways of living with culture, hunting and fishing, and the modern world.

“I think our story is going to be a positive one.”

Alayah Yeatman, 4, and her dad Horace Yeatman, 34, a Gunggandji man, live on the water in the Local Thriving Community of Yarrabah.

Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council’s proposal was to work through the local group, Yarrabah Leaders Forum to address causes of domestic and family violence through work to build resilience, foster connections and strengthen cultural values.

Yarrabah Mayor Ross Andrews said while the framework was in place for the action plan, he would like to see more government investment.

“I think the LTC plan really needs some support and more investment on a government level to make sure actions really do come from it,” he said.

“It’s a great plan that has the potential to greatly benefit not only Yarrabah but many other First Nations communities too.

“We’ve always asked for greater autonomy and greater empowerment in deciding what is right for our community. (So) the Local Thriving Communities agenda definitely supports us to take greater responsibility and negotiate outcomes in the best interest of our community.”

In the Western Cape York Aboriginal township of Mapoon, the LTC approach will involve its Deadly Youth Leadership and Cultural Program, a holiday program for young people.

“Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council will receive $165,000 over 12 months for the social reinvestment program” Mr Crawford said.

“The program commences in July 2022 with a series of 5-day On Country programs and 5-day music programs and concludes with a Community Showcase in July 2023, when participants can perform for the community.”

Originally published as Yarrabah Mayor Ross Andrews on state government Local Thriving Communities plan