Cairns’ corporate community came together at a breakfast this morning to discuss ways to boost employment options for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, as part of NAIDOC week celebrations.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Curtis Pitt said the breakfast, held for the second time this year, was a chance to create links between Indigenous business owners, the Cairns corporate sector and government agencies.
“Employment is the pathway to greater economic and social benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” Mr Pitt said.
“Having a job is the best way to ensure families have the resources and confidence to lead productive and fulfilling lives,” he said.
“The Bligh Government is doing its part to boost public sector employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by establishing a range of training programs and ensuring Indigenous people are involved in disaster recovery efforts.
“Government cannot do it alone – we need to work in partnership and that’s what this morning’s breakfast is all about.”
“It’s great to see so many locals championing the cause of employment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“I thank representatives from the Indigenous Business Network and the Commonwealth Bank for sharing their vision for the future of Indigenous employment in the Far North.”
Mr Pitt NAIDOC Week provides us with a timely opportunity to showcase the rich, unique and vibrant cultures of Australia’s two oldest living cultures, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
“Year after year, NAIDOC celebrations bring pride and enjoyment to our cities, towns and remote communities and this year is no different.”
Mr Pitt has also called upon Queenslanders to contribute to the Queensland Government’s new Deadly Stories campaign, which aims to promote individual stories about the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“It’s easy to get involved,” he said. “You can share your own deadly story, a story about someone you know or a story about a project in your community at our Deadly Stories gallery.
“You can also participate in conversations on the Deadly Stories Facebook page.”
For more information or to contribute to the three year Deadly Stories campaign, visit the website www.deadlystories.qld.gov.au
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