COOEE Indigenous Family and Community Education Centre

05/09/2026

Applications for the 2026 Queensland Indigenous Youth Leadership Program (QIYLP) are now open.

QIYLP is a leadership and professional development program for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Queensland aged 18–25 years.

The 7-day residential program includes support, empowering participants to become strong and thoughtful leaders.

Since 2004, 784 young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have participated in QIYLP. Many participants have returned as mentors, lead mentors and facilitators, helping shape the program for future generations.
Program details

📅 Dates: 5 – 11 December 2026
📍 Location: Meanjin (Brisbane)
⏳ Applications close: 5pm, 20 September 2026
👍 Reasonable program costs covered

To be eligible, participants must:

- be aged 18 to 25 years old at the time of the program (December 2026)
- identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person
- live in Queensland
- not have participated in the program previously.

How to apply

Applicants can apply online at:https://www.qld.gov.au/youth/get-involved/youth-programs/indigenous-youth-leadership-program/eligibility-and-how-to-apply by 5pm, 20 September 2026.

05/09/2026

Start your career with NAB!

AFL SportsReady is proud to partner with NAB to launch NAB First Nations Careers, creating career opportunities for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people across Australia.

💼 TRAINEESHIPS
Kickstart your career as an Indigenous Customer Advisor Trainee. Work in a NAB branch, earn an above-award wage and gain hands-on experience while working towards a nationally recognised qualification.

🎓 INTERNSHIPS
At university? Put your studies into practice with a paid NAB internship. Gain insight into the banking industry while building your skills and professional networks, supported by an Indigenous mentor and study allowance.

Explore the NAB First Nations Careers Program and build the confidence, skills and experience to take your next step.

Your career with NAB starts here! More information at: https://aflsportsready.com.au/nab-first-nations-careers/

05/09/2026

Congratulations to all the students 👏
Well done 👏

05/09/2026

Congratulations to all students 👏
Well done. A huge thank you to the Elders.
Truly a wonderful QATSIF graduation.
Well done to Michael and Team 👏

05/09/2026

☀️ SUMMER INTAKE ☀️

If you're an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander university student, you can get up to 50 days of PAID work experience this summer - with cadetships available across a range of industries!

You'll also receive a study and book allowance, as well as Indigenous mentoring and support.

Make your summer count! Applications close 30 September 2026.

Find out more: https://aflsportsready.com.au/indigenous-cadetship-intake/

05/09/2026

For Year 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from State Schools, experiencing hardship, moving into a Bachelor of Teaching degree in 2027.

AEU Federal Indigenous Tertiary Scholarship (Australia-wide) — https://www.publiceducationfoundation.org.au/aeu-national-tertiary-indigenous-teaching-scholarship/

Funding may be awarded over three years at $3,000 per year (a total of $9,000). Consideration may also be given to a one-off payment of $3,000 for relocation expenses.

For support or clarification, contact the Public Education Foundation on (02) 7814 2806 or email [email protected]

20/08/2026

In Loving Memory of Reverend Aunty Alex Gater

As we prepare to farewell Reverend Aunty Alex Gater tomorrow, COOEE and GBEA stand together in love, respect and remembrance.

We honour a remarkable woman of faith, strength, wisdom and service, whose life touched so many people and whose presence will be deeply missed.

Tomorrow, as family, friends and community gather to celebrate her life and lay her to rest, we give thanks for the love she shared, the guidance she gave, the prayers she offered and the legacy she leaves behind.

Although our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing that she lived a life of purpose and faith.

As Scripture reminds us:

“I have fought the good fight,
I have finished the race,
I have kept the faith.”
(2 Timothy 4:7)

Rest peacefully, Reverend Aunty Alex.

May you be welcomed home with love and peace, reunited with those who have gone before you.

Your journey here is complete.
Your faith remained strong.
Your legacy will live on.

Forever remembered.
Forever respected.
Forever loved.

With deepest condolences and respect,
COOEE & GBEA

12/08/2026

APPLICATIONS CLOSE TOMORROW- First Nations Artist Camp 2026

Previously known as the Indigenous Artist Camp, the First Nations Artist Camp is an on-country five-day artist camp held on South Stradbroke Island at Tipplers Campground. The camp is a culturally responsive experience led by a team of First Nations artists, producers and specialists.

10 selected First Nations artists from any artform living on or connected to the Yugembah language speaking region will come together to work with senior practitioners, mentors and industry leaders.

Artists will receive a stipend to support their participation.

This years Lead Artist is Delvene Cockatoo-Collins, a celebrated Quandamooka woman, artist and creative storyteller whose practice weaves together textiles, printmaking, natural fibres and fashion.

Deeply connected to Country and the rich cultural traditions of the Quandamooka people, Delvene’s work is a powerful expression of identity, storytelling and living culture. Through her art, she honours and shares the stories, knowledge and creative practices passed down through generations, carrying forward the teachings of her mother, and grandmother.

Her work reflects an enduring connection to Country, culture and community, creating spaces where tradition and contemporary expression come together.

The First Nations Artist Camp 2026 will take place at Tipplers Campground on South Stradbroke Island, Yugambeh Language Speaking Region

Artwork created at the Camp will be exhibited in 2027.

Key dates:
Applications close: 13 August 2026
Successful applicants notified: 31 August 2026
Camp dates: 2 to 6 November 2026
Exhibition: Early 2027 (date TBC)

To apply, head to: https://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/About-our-city/Arts-culture/Arts-culture-opportunities/First-Nations-Artist-Camp

🖤💛❤️💙💚🤍🖤

The First Nations Artist Camp is an on-country five-day artist camp.

10/08/2026

📢 REMINDER – CENSUS SUPPORT AVAILABLE TOMORROW 📢

Need help completing your Census form, or don't have a fixed address?

An Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Community Field Officer will be at Redland Community Centre tomorrow, Tuesday 11 August, to assist people experiencing homelessness or anyone who needs help completing their Census form.

📅 Tomorrow – Tuesday 11 August
🕙 10:00am – 2:00pm
📍 Redland Community Centre
29 Loraine Street, Capalaba

If you are sleeping rough, couch surfing, staying in temporary accommodation, living in a boarding house, transitioning between places to live, or have no fixed address, it's important that you are counted in the Census.

Being counted helps governments and community organisations better understand the needs of our community and plan future services.

No appointment is needed—just drop in between 10:00am and 2:00pm.

Please help us spread the word by sharing this post with anyone who may benefit. 💙