Working Together Towards a Better Future in Mornington Island | Australian Government Department Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs

Table of content

Artwork Acknowledgement
What is 'Closing the Gap'
Welcome to Closing the Gap for Mornington Island

About Mornington Island
Closing the Gap ‘Building Blocks’
Remote Service Delivery National Partnership Agreement (RSD NPA)
About the Mornington Island Local Implementation Plan (LIP)
The Mornington Island LIP Action Plans

Attachment A
Attachment B

Artwork Acknowledgement

Established in 1983, Mirndiyan Gununa Aboriginal Corporation has recently been undergoing some vigorous change as it re-defines itself in today’s climate. The Corporation identifies its role as restoring a sense of pride in culture as culture and language underpins and is integral to every activity the Corporation undertakes in achieving its vision.

Mirndiyan Gununa has recently adopted a “whole of community” approach to the achievement of their goals. This has included the establishment of key working partnerships with community, service providers and government organisations on Mornington Island. These partnerships are now successfully established and the Corporation is consciously working with these other parties to achieve their mutual goals.

Consequently, when the Remote Service Delivery initiative came to Mornington Island, Mirndiyan Gununa saw that working together with government would be a great opportunity for their community.

Most importantly, though, the Corporation believed that the government message had to be interpreted locally to give community ownership of the process and its outcomes. The Mirndiyan Gununa staff have researched and worked with key people in the community and found appropriate symbols that would bring a local resonance to the seven building blocks identified by COAG.

These meanings were found in cultural stories and traditions of Mornington Island. In addition, each of the symbols were adapted with Lardil and Kaiadilt words and/or phrases which provided additional meanings in the traditional culture of the island. They were then interpreted by the design company Coast Design to relate to the new branding of Mirndiyan Gununa, below. The colours used in the symbols are all reflective of the colours of life on Mornington Island.

Cover Art

Thuwatha, the Rainbow Serpent, is believed by the Lardil people to have created all of the landmarks, food and water on Mornington Island.

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What is 'Closing the Gap'

In December 2008, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreed to a partnership between all levels of government to work with Indigenous communities to close the gap on Indigenous disadvantage.

In recognition that outcomes for Indigenous Australians remain well below those of non-Indigenous Australians, COAG agreed to six targets.

To close the life expectancy gap within a generation.
To halve the gap in mortality rates for Indigenous children under five within a decade
To ensure access to early childhood education for all Indigenous four year olds in remote communities within five years.
To halve the gap in reading, writing and numeracy achievements for children within a decade.
To halve the gap for Indigenous students in Year 12 attainment or equivalent by 2020.
To halve the gap in employment outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians within a decade.

As a result of this commitment, the Governments and Doomadgee community have worked together to identify the key community aspirations that they will partner together on, to enable the achievement of the COAG targets.

The Community’s early childhood aspiration is for our babies to be happy, safe, strong and well cared for, and that parents and grand parents also get the help they need to raise our children.
The Community’s schooling aspiration is that all our children are educated and go on to live good lives, with good jobs. No matter what their circumstance, all children are to be treated well and looked after, and supported to achieve their best.
The Community’s health aspiration is for our people to be healthy, well and grow old with their families in community.
The Community’s healthy home aspiration is for our people to live in good homes, which are looked after and meet the needs of our growing community.
The Community’s safe communities aspiration is for all our community to be safe, healthy and active. Be respectful of culture and each other and make this an even better place to live.
The Community’s economic participation aspiration is for our people to be in the local jobs and run the local businesses.
The Community’s governance and leadership aspiration is for our community to produce strong, respectful leaders that will guide us to a better future for our children.

The Community’s aspirations also include:

That we recognise and support our young people who are our future;
That we and the services in our community are accountable for good results; and
That we actively participate in making a better future for our community.

Key priorities for achieving the vision.

A good relationship between community and government, based on honesty, integrity and respect for one another. We deliver on the commitments we make to each other.
Coordination of services on the ground as a first step towards improved service quality.
Community people access the services being provided.
Housing that meets the environmental and social needs of the community and designed with community input.
The alignment of training, employment and business development support to the local economy and mobility potential.
A “whole of community” drive and commitment to all children attending and attaining quality learning outcomes from school.
A constructive working relationship between community and police.
Access to a full range of tailored family, youth and child services, especially in the early childhood area and youth prevention / early intervention area.
Organised sport, recreational or cultural activities.
Positive and active leadership being shown by the community.

The Local Implementation Plan (LIP) is the document that captures the aspirations and commitments of government and community in closing the gap on disadvantage. It is a work-in-progress, meaning that it will continue to change and improve.

Signatories to this Agreement:

Mayor Cecil Goodman
Mornington Shire Council

Mr Michael Kinnane, ESM
Government Champion

Kevin Keeffe
FaHCSIA Qld State Manager

Anne-Marie Roberts
Mt Isa ROC Manager

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Welcome to Closing the Gap for Mornington Island

As a key output of the Remote Service Delivery National Partnership a Local Implementation Plan for Mornington Island has been developed. Strategies and actions have been identified and committed to by the Mornington Island Community, the Australian and Queensland Governments, and the Mornington Shire Council. All parties are committed to working together towards a better future in achieving the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Closing the Gap targets in order to reduce the high levels of disadvantage being experienced.

We would like to acknowledge and thank the Mornington Island Community for their approach in engaging with government. Sharing their aspirations and commitment to their community’s future, by participating in the creation of a Local Implementation Plan that will grow and evolve as the level of service delivery matures. We would especially like to thank and acknowledge the leadership of the Mornington Shire Council for their support, guidance and participation in this process.

We would like to acknowledge the staff of the Mt Isa Regional Operations Centre and their work with community, the Mornington Shire Council, consultants, and representatives of Australian and Queensland Government agencies in an extensive consultation process in preparation of this plan. We would also like to recognise the strategic leadership and support of both Regional Leadership Group (RLG) and the Queensland Remote Service Delivery Board of Management (B0M).

It has been a privilege to oversee this very important work and we thank you for the opportunity. We endorse the Mornington Island Local Implementation Plan and look forward to working with you implementing the agreed strategies and actions in the years ahead.

Yours sincerely,

Brian Gleeson
Coordinator General
For Remote Indigenous Services

Ron Weatherall
Queensland Coordinator General
Co-Chair
Qld Remote Service Delivery BOM

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1. About Mornington Island

Mornington Island is in the lower southern Gulf of Carpentaria approximately 444kms north of Mt Isa (about 2hrs flight time) and 125kms from Burketown—the nearest town. It is one of the North Wellesley Islands and the largest in the Wellesley Island group. The area is subject to cyclones and severe tropical storms during the wet season and this weather sometimes impacts on air and barge services to the isolated community.

The original people of Mornington Island were the Lardil people who had little contact with the outside world before the early 1900s. Mornington Island has four major clan groups descending from Lardil, Yangkaal and Kaiadilt peoples. The clan groups are Barlumbenda (West), Jirrurumbenda (Leeward-North), Lilumbenda (East) and Larlumbenda (Windward – South). English is the primary language spoken on Mornington Island however with Lardil being the other predominant language. Recognising the significant role of culture in the community the school has been teaching Lardil language, and Kaiadilt is now being introduced.

The central township on Mornington Island, now known as Gununa, was established in 1914, when Presbyterian missionaries brought the Lardil and the Yangkaal peoples together. The Kaiadilt peoples from the Eastern Wellesley Island group were brought to the Mornington Island settlement in 1948. The Mornington Island mission continued until 1978.

The total Mornington Island population in 2006 was approximately 990 with the Indigenous population estimated to be 914 (92%). This estimation is based on the 2006 Census and it should be noted that it may represent an undercount of Indigenous peoples.

The Mornington Shire Council was established in 1978 and is now a fully constituted local government under the Local Government Act 2009. The council consists of a Mayor and four councillors, with a Chief Executive Officer and other council staff to deliver municipal services to the community.

In 2004 the Federal Court formally recognised the people of the Wellesley Islands’ rights to their Sea Country under the Lardil Peoples v State of Queensland case 5. The court found that native title is held by the Lardil, Yangkaal, Kaiadilt and Gangalidda peoples.

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2. Closing the Gap 'Building Block'
Building Blocks	Mornington Island Representation	Outcomes
		For an equal start in life, Indigenous children need early learning, development and socialisation opportunities. Access to quality early childhood education and care services, including pre-school, child care and family support services such as parenting programs and supports, is critical. Appropriate facilities and physical infrastructure, a sustainable early childhood education and health workforce, learning frameworks and opportunities for parental engagement are also important and require attention. Action in the areas of maternal, antenatal and early childhood health is relevant to addressing the child mortality gap and to early childhood development.
		Human capital development through education is key to future opportunity. Responsive schooling requires attention to infrastructure, workforce (including teacher and school leader supply and quality), curriculum, student literacy and numeracy achievement and opportunities for parental engagement and school / community partnerships. Transition pathways into schooling and into work, post school education and training are also important and attention is also needed regarding adult literacy and numeracy skills.
		Indigenous Australians’ access to effective, comprehensive primary and preventative health care is essential to improving their health expectancy, and reducing excess mortality caused by chronic disease. All health services play an important role in providing Indigenous people with access to effective health care, and being responsive to and accountable for achieving government and community health priorities. Closing the Indigenous health gap requires a concerted effort in the prevention, management and treatment of chronic disease. Indigenous children and their parents need to access programs and services that promote healthy lifestyles.
		A healthy home is a fundamental precondition of a healthy population. Important contributors to the current unsatisfactory living conditions include inadequate water and sewerage systems, waste collection, electricity and housing infrastructure (design, stock and maintenance). Children need to live in accommodation with adequate infrastructure conducive to good hygiene and study, and free of overcrowding.
		Indigenous people (men, women and children) need to be safe from violence, abuse and neglect. Fulfilling this need involves improving family and community safety through law and justice responses (including accessible and effective policing and an accessible justice system), victim support (including safe houses and counselling), child protection and also preventative approaches. Addressing related factors such as alcohol and substance abuse will be critical to improving community safety, along with the improved health benefits obtained.
		Individuals and communities should have the opportunity to benefit from the mainstream economy – real jobs, business opportunities, economic independence and wealth creation. Economic participation needs to extend to disadvantaged job seekers and those outside of the labour market. Access to land and native title assets, rights and interests can be leveraged to secure real and practical benefits for Indigenous people. Other financial assets, capacity building, employment and training programs, incentive structures and social and physical infrastructure, including communications and transport, are needed to foster economic participation and community engagement. Through this participation, parents and other adults can become effective role models for their families and community. The design and delivery of welfare (both transfer payments and services) needs to promote active engagement, enhanced capability and positive social norms. Ensuring that communities have support to address factors that are a barrier to engagement such as problem gambling is critical.
		Strong leadership is needed to champion and demonstrate ownership of reform. Effective governance arrangements in communities and organisations as well as strong engagement by governments at all levels are essential to long term sustainable outcomes. Indigenous people need to be engaged in the development of reforms that will impact on them. Improved access to capacity building in governance and leadership is needed in order for Indigenous people to play a greater role in exercising their rights and responsibilities as citizens.

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3. Remote Service Delivery National Partnership Agreement (RSD NPA)

The Remote Service Delivery National Partnership Agreement (RSD NPA) between the Commonwealth and Queensland (the Governments) is the operational framework that ensures the commitment from all of government. It is through this agreement, that the Governments will work together with local Indigenous people to close the gap on Aboriginal disadvantage in Mornington Island.

The RSD NPA involves:

engagement with communities
baseline mapping and service audits
establishment of integrated plans
coordination and service reporting mechanisms
the creation of local implementation plans (LIP) that improves service design and delivery
sharing best practice
risk management

The Governments have established a single Government interface for the community. This interface is the Mt Isa Regional Operations Centre (ROC). The ROC is responsible for ensuring the coherent and coordinated implementation of the Remote Service Delivery National Partnership Agreement for Mornington Island.

This includes:

community engagement so that community knows and understands what, when and why action is happening;
data gathering and monitoring, including identification of service gaps;
co-ordinated delivery of resources and activities which address agreed actions identified in the LIP;
employment of Remote Service Delivery Co-ordinators and Partnership Community Project Officers, in Mornington Island. These roles are the Government Engagement Co-ordination Officer (GECO) and the Indigenous Engagement Officers (IEO’s);
the IEO’s work mainly with the Mornington Island community and liaise between community and government on issues raised by the community. The IEO’s are local Indigenous people from within the community; and
liaison with the Australian Government, the Queensland Government, Local Governments and other relevant stakeholders to achieve identified outcomes.

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4. About the Mornington Island Local Implementation Plan (LIP)

4.1 LIP Development

The Mornington Island LIP has developed out of a series of conversations. Some of these conversations have been going on for a number of years, with the Mornington Island community talking to government about the issues facing their community through processes and structures such as the Negotiation Table. It has been important to acknowledge what community has said before, what has been achieved and why some things haven’t, and to build on this to develop the LIP.

Key to the LIP development process for Mornington Island has been the commitment of three key partner groups (community, service providers and government) to actively engage and contribute. The LIP engagement process has evolved from:

an initial process of talking to a comprehensive range of community members, clan and family groups, and local organisations; to
a process of Men’s Yarning Circles, Women’s Yarning Circles, meetings of local service providers, and engagement of government at all levels ie Mornington Shire Council, Queensland Government and Australian Government.

The LIP engagement process has been accepted and embraced by the Mornington Island community as a credible place to talk to government and a large number of community members gave of their time and provided rich and honest input.

Community, service providers and government actively engaged and contributed to the LIP development process.

Through this process the Mornington Island community and Government have committed to work together towards a better future for Mornington Island, acknowledging that this will mean:

the Mt Isa Regional Operations Centre (ROC) will assist, support and facilitate this process;
the Government and Community will work together to identify needs and take necessary action to address immediate concerns, without compromising the long term outcome;
not all needs or issues identified will require a response by Government, however Government will support community to implement a response should they require it; and
the LIP will be a primary mechanism to drive Government business on Mornington Island, and as such, Government will support the development of a comprehensive and robust LIP and continue to do so as the LIP matures and evolves.

It should be noted that the statutory business of Government (eg policing, child safety and justice) will be implemented as required under the relevant legislative frameworks.

4.2 LIP Governance Structures

In order to drive forward and progress the LIP in accordance with the commitment of COAG, and on the basis of the relationships and commitments that have been established through the LIP development process, a governance system that represents the cultural, organisational and government authority and structures will be established.

At the Community level:

The Mornington Island community recognises how critical an effective and holistic governance approach is to Closing the Gap on disadvantage in their community. Central to this is the formation of Building Block Working Groups who will be responsible for informing, promoting and monitoring the progress of the Local Implementation Plan in achieving COAG Outcomes.

There will be six Working Groups on Mornington Island addressing the seven Building Blocks. The Building Blocks ‘Early Childhood’ and ‘Schools’ will be addressed by a single Working Group.

To the greatest extent possible the Working Groups will incorporate appropriate representation from the various cultural and family groups, as well as being inclusive of existing community based committees. Membership of the Working Groups will comprise community members with a special interest in the Building Block, representatives from service providers and Mt Isa ROC staff including the GECO and IEO’s. Council will be represented on an opt-in basis, with Council electing which Working Groups it will join.

Expressions of interest will be called to establish the membership of the working groups.

The Working Groups will be solutions focussed, with members bringing their own diverse experience and knowledge, whilst maintaining a focus on LIP implementation and achieving the COAG Outcomes. GECOs will provide secretariat support to the Working Groups and ensure that Working Groups are not ‘siloed’ but continue to recognise and contribute to other Building Blocks.

Representatives of each of the working groups will also form a LIP Reference Group to work with the ROC, Council and the Queensland Government Champion to monitor progress, and provide feedback to government, through engagement mechanisms such as Negotiation Tables.

At the Government level:

There are a variety of structures to ensure agencies are meeting their accountabilities for the LIP:

The ROC Regional Leadership Group (RLG) has been established to oversight the effective implementation of the LIP. Its membership consists of the most senior regional officer from the Australian and Queensland government agencies, with responsibilities for delivery of services on Mornington Island. The RLG is led by the Mt Isa ROC Manager who will provide regular reports to the Qld RSD BoM.
The RSD Board of Management (BOM), is co-chaired by the State Manager of the Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) and the Queensland Government Coordinator of RSD. BOM members include heads of Australian and Queensland government agencies and departments, the ROC Managers, and the Coordinator General for Remote Indigenous Services.
The role of the BOM is to monitor the work of Government in progressing the LIPs. Where actions are not progressing in a timely manner, or to an acceptable standard, the BOM will endeavour to find the solutions and cut through the barriers.
The Coordinator General for Remote Indigenous Services is an independent authority appointed to oversee the implementation of RSD across the 29 communities. The Coordinator General has a critical role in reporting to the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and has the ability to call all government agencies to account for their responsibilities in achieving the Closing the Gap outcomes in these communities. The Coordinator General reports to government every 6 months.

The governance arrangements for the LIP commence at the community level and progress to a formal governance structure enunciated via the Board of Management (BoM). The BoM is co-chaired by the State Manager of the Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) and the Queensland Government Coordinator of RSD. BoM members include heads of Australian and Queensland government agencies and departments, ROC Managers and the Coordinator General for Remote Indigenous Services.

4.3 Addressing Concerns

Concerns can be raised by Community members via the following mechanisms:

Through members of the working groups or LIP Reference Group;
Directly through the GECO and IEOs who will work with the LIP Reference Group to ensure that concerns are heard; or
Contact with the Mt Isa ROC Manager.

The above indicates a sequence of events for problem solving, and if a resolution cannot be reached at the local or regional level, the ROC Manager will determine the need to escalate to the RLG and / or BOM.

It is critical that any concerns raised by community and follow up actions are documented, and that they are followed up in a timely manner. As such, all concerns should be followed up within one month of them being raised, or sooner if they are deemed to be of a critical nature.

4.4 LIP Principles

The LIP recognises the critical need for collaboration and demonstrates the commitment of all signatories to work together in partnership to achieve better outcomes for all residents of Mornington Island.

The Government agrees to implement the LIP in accordance with the principles set out in the RSD NPA:

National principles for investments in remote locations;
Principles taken into account in deciding sequencing; and
Service delivery principles for programs and services for Indigenous Australians.

These principles are included at Attachment A.

4.5 LIP Duration and Review Process

The LIP covers the period from 2010 through to 2014 and will be reviewed every six months, with an annual opportunity for improvement of the LIP. The first review will occur in December 2010.

Working Groups will meet on a monthly basis for the first six months. During this time each Working Group will focus on developing a Theory of Change (Logic Model). The Theory of Change (Logic Model) will allow them to identify intermediate and short term outcomes that are stepping stones to achieving the COAG outcomes.

Developing the Theory of Change will also allow the Working Groups to explore why previous related initiatives were not able to deliver the required outcomes. The Theory of Change (Logic Model) will provide the Working Groups with a clear framework and scope within which to develop a monitoring plan. This monitoring plan will help assess whether the LIP in relation to their building block is progressing and meeting needs, and will enable the group to identify data requirements to assist with this. It is anticipated that the majority of data will be through stories of significant change.

The Working Groups will also initiate data collection, sharing and analysis. This will include existing data that is collected by government via the baseline community profile, relevant service level data from providers, and any additional data that the Working Groups feel is necessary and accessible.

Qualitative data collection in the community may be undertaken by Working Group members, by the ROC GECO and IEO’s. A role of the Working Groups will be to assist in setting the measures and reviewing, analysing and discussing the data.

During the first six months of operation it is anticipated that Working Group members will require specialist support and training. This will include but not be limited to leadership training and skills based training to ensure that they have the tools to monitor LIP progress, and the confidence to use those tools.

In the first six months Working Groups will receive intensive support from the ROC, assisting them to put the groundwork in place that will provide a firm foundation for further work. After six months the Working Groups will meet on a bi- monthly basis, with a regular schedule of data collection between meetings. Meetings will be an opportunity to share and analyse data, and assess progress against intermediate outcomes. Findings will be utilised to inform and adjust LIP strategies, actions and key milestones at the bi-annual review points. They will also form the basis of presentations to Negotiation Tables, RLG and to the BOM.

Data collected by the Working Groups may also contribute to a ‘final’ evaluation undertaken towards the end of the LIP period by an external body. This evaluation should examine the extent to which the LIP activities have contributed to COAG outcomes and could also consider the extent to which the initiative has been effective and appropriate in order to ensure that the governments and community learn from experience.

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5. The Mornington Island LIP Action Plans

5.1 Early Childhood
5.2 Schooling
5.3 Health
5.4 Healthy Homes
5.5 Safe Communities
5.6 Economic Participation
5.7 Governance & Leadership

The LIP Action Plans included in this section represent a collective plan that brings together the needs and aspirations of the Mornington Island community and all levels of government.

There is an Action Plan for each of the seven COAG building blocks and they are prefaced by artwork and stories provided by the community to represent the significance of these priority areas in their traditional and cultural ways.

Following on from this cultural representation of the significance of each building block is a table that maps the same from a government perspective (the COAG Outcomes) and the National COAG Outputs committed to against each of these Outcomes.

The Action Plans include:

The Mornington Island Outcome – a brief statement reflective of the vision the Community has determined would demonstrate improved life outcomes for themselves, their families and most importantly, their children. This vision forms the rationale and basis upon which the Community and government have worked together to unpack and articulate the detail of the Action Plans.
Agreed Goals, Strategies and Actions – The Agreed Goals are a direct reflection of the conversations community has shared with government through the Yarning Circles and LIP engagement process. The Strategies and Actions are a combination of work undertaken with the community to identify how we can achieve the goals, and extensive work undertaken with government to gain commitment to work together to implement items that are reasonable and achievable. The Actions represent a mix of government, community and shared actions.
Lead and Responsible Agencies – For each Strategy a lead government agency or agencies have been identified. In addition to this, other agencies who are likely to have some responsibility or contribution to make in achieving these actions have been identified. These responsibilities and contributions are spread across all levels of government.
Milestones and Measures – key milestones and options to measure progress have been assigned to actions. As these Action Plans are primarily focussed on the first 12months of implementation, milestones and measures are aligned to that timeframe. The COAG outcomes are the ultimate measure of success. It is understood that the indicators to measure success will become more robust as the LIP matures, and other tools such as Baseline Mapping of data becomes available. As improved forms of qualitative and quantitative data collection are designed and implemented through the building block working groups, improved measures and learnings will be integrated into the LIP.

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5.1 Early Childhood

Mornington Island representation of Early Childhood building block

Kirdibul mangarda – little children (Lardil)

Barrinda – child at crawling stage (Kaiadilt)

Long ago in the Dreamtime, there was no channel between Mornington Island and Denham Island.

The Seagull and the Crane were married and used to hunt this area. One day they decided to widen the creek to make a channel, so the Seagull set to work with a raft. She went back and forth and up and down with this little raft and the creek became wider and wider. She worked alone with her baby. The Crane went out hunting and he never used to bring fish back for wife and baby and ate all the tucker himself.

One day Seagull went looking for the Crane and could not find him because he did not return. Seagull decided to put a curse on her husband for not bringing tucker back for herself and her baby and not helping with the channel.

When she finished the channel, the Crane found he could not fly long distances and had to hunt in shallow water.

The curse that Seagull put upon Crane brings back memories to the young men. It reminds them that they should look after their wives and babies and help and feed them and not wander around and eat all the food on their own.

Targets, outcomes, outputs and action plan for Early Childhood Building Block
COAG Target	Early Childhood Indigenous Specific Outcomes	Early Childhood Outputs
Close the life expectancy gap within a generation Halve the gap in mortality rates for Indigenous children under five within a decade All four year olds, including in remote indigenous communities, have access to early childhood education within five years Halve the gap for indigenous students in reading, writing and numeracy within a decade Halve the gap in employment outcomes between Indigenous and non-indigenous Australians within a decade.	Indigenous children are born and remain healthy Indigenous children have the same health outcomes as other Australian children Children benefit from better social inclusion & reduced disadvantage, especially Indigenous children Quality early childhood education and care supports the workforce participation choices of parents in the years before formal schooling Indigenous children acquire the basic skills for life and learning Indigenous children have access to affordable, quality early childhood education in the year before formal schooling as a minimum.	Increased provision of antenatal care services targeted at young Indigenous women Increased provision of sexual and reproductive health services for Indigenous teenagers Increased provision of maternal and child health services for Indigenous children and their mothers Establishment of a minimum of 35 Children and Family Centres in urban, regional and remote areas with high Indigenous populations and high disadvantage * Provision of early learning, child care and parent and family support services to Indigenous families at or through each of the Children and Family Centres Children have universal access to a preschool program for 15 hours per week, 40 weeks per year Universal access to a preschool program is delivered across a range of settings at a cost which is not a barrier to access Indigenous children (including those in remote Indigenous communities) enrolled in and attending a preschool program Improve number and qualifications of workforce (including Indigenous)

* Mornington Island State School is identified to benefit from implementation of the Low Socio-Economic Status Schools (SES) National Partnership Agreement.

ACTION PLAN: Kirdibul mangarda - Barrinda - Early Childhood
Mornington Island Outcome: Mornington Island children are born healthy and develop positive behaviours and skills. They are loved and experience positive relationships with their parents and families that are safe and caring. These early years will set the foundation for our children to get a good start in school and life.
Agreed Goals / Rationales for Action	Strategies	Action	Responsible Agencies		Progress Reporting / Key Milestones Year 1
Agreed Goals / Rationales for Action	Strategies	Action	Lead	Others	Progress Reporting / Key Milestones Year 1
Mothers care for themselves and their babies throughout their pregnancy. Children are properly cared for by their parents, families and the community, with access to services they need to be healthy and strong. Community members will act as mentors to young parents and encourage them to attend programs and look after their children better. A range of appropriate sex education programs are customised and provided to meet the needs of different target and ‘at risk’ groups. Community members will access and respect any early childhood services that support them to be good parents and working parents. Community members will start to set community standards and hold each other accountable for inappropriate and insensitive behaviour towards children in the community. We will watch over our children to keep them safe. We will find ways to appropriately manage and discipline our children; stop the bullying and anti-social behaviour of our young kids and create positive and respectful behaviours. We need to have more local people trained to work in childcare and other early childhood services.	1. Develop and deliver improved services and local support systems that provide quality antenatal, child and maternal health care.	1.1 Build and deliver an appropriate child and maternal health service system that caters for community need.	DoHA Q Health	DET DEEWR FaHCSIA DoC	Scoping of child and maternal health services, including gap analysis and identification of opportunities to improve completed by March 2011.
		1.2 Ensure that all pregnant girls and pregnant women have access to antenatal and post-natal services and are encouraged to use them.	DoHA Q Health	DET DEEWR FaHCSIA DoC	By June 2011, attendance rates for antenatal and postnatal care services indicate pregnant girls and women are accessing services within appropriate timeframes.
		1.3 Establish a Children and Family Centre that coordinates and integrates: sustainable quality early childhood education and childcare services; parent and family support services; and child and maternal health services	DET DEEWR	FaHCSIA DoC DoHA Q Health	Children and Family Centre model developed by January 2011. Additional construction effort completed by July 2011.
		1.4 Make comprehensive primary health care and development checks available to school aged children.	DoHA Q Health	DET FaHCSIA DoC	Comprehensive primary health care and development checks for children at school commenced by October 2010.
		1.5 Encourage comprehensive primary health care and development checks for all children prior to commencing school.	DoHA Q Health	DET FaHCSIA DoC	Children accessing early childhood services are taking up child health checks. Parents have commenced bringing children due to start pre-Prep in 2011 in for checks by November 2010.
		1.6 Care plans for children based on the comprehensive primary health care & development checks will be linked to necessary services to respond to their health and wellbeing requirements.	DoHA Q ealth	DET FaHCSIA DoC	Care plans with links to relevant health and development services are in place for all children that have received a primary health care and development check.
		1.7 Establish early detection and intervention supports for children with disabilities and development impediments.	DoHA Q Health	DET FaHCSIA DoC	Individual responses included in Care Plans.
		1.8 Identify and support “community champions” for “happy, healthy, thriving babies”.	FaHCSIA DoC	DoHA Q Health DET DEEWR	Community identified local “community champions” endorsed through the relevant Working Group by October 2010.
		1.9 Develop a range of local child and maternal health promotional materials with involvement of “community champions”.	Q Health DoHA	DET FaHCSIA DoC DEEWR	Local child and maternal health promotional materials developed by April 2011.
	Develop a comprehensive sex education program to be delivered through a range of community based access points.	2.1 Work with the community to design and implement an appropriate sex education program.	Q Health DET	DoHA FaHCSIA DoC	Community and local service providers involved in development of local sex education program and resources, to be completed by January 2011.
		2.2 Integration of local sex education programs into school curriculum and health system.	Q Health DET DoHA	FaHCSIA DoC	Local sex education programs commenced in school and delivered through local health services by February 2011.
	Support community members to promote and teach sex education in the home.	3.1 Develop a range of local materials and resources that promote sexual education and health programs being delivered in community, with involvement of “community champions”.	Q Health DET DoHA	FaHCSIA DoC	Local sexual education and health promotion materials and resources developed by February 2011.
	Positive and strong parenting programs for Mums, Dads and caregivers.	4.1 Establish an Indigenous Parenting Support Service (IPSS) and a Intensive Supported Playgroup (ISP).	FaHCSIA	DoC Q Health DoHA DET	IPSS and LSP operating in community by October 2010.
	Introduce a range of appropriate and needed services in early childhood education, care and development, which are designed in consultation with community.	5.1 Develop and deliver education programs for mothers, fathers and family members on making a safe and healthy life for babies, with involvement of “community champions”.	Q Health DoC DoHA	FaHCSIA DEEWR DET	Education programs commenced by May 2011.
		5.2 Deliver tailored programs to young women, men, care givers and mentors that promote health, wellbeing and parents as first teachers.	DET Q Health DEEWR	FaHCSIA DoC DoHA	Suite of tailored programs identified / developed by November 2010. Programs commenced by January 2011.
		5.3 Ensure a seamless transition pathway from early childhood development into schooling years.	DET DEEWR	FaHCSIA DOC	Pathway from early childhood to schooling is tailored through a defined continuum developed as part of a best practice model of learning for 0-17 by January 2011.
		5.4 Develop and introduce a community wide campaign of ‘respect’ and ‘positive parenting’ targeting bullying and anti-social behaviour, with support from school, health, Council, Store, CDEP, PCYC and other providers.	DET FaHCSIA DoC	DEEWR Q Health DoHA	Campaign developed by September 2010. Campaign picked up and supported by all stakeholders in community for introduction by November 2010.
	Develop a targeted workforce strategy for the Early Childhood sector.	6.1 Develop a targeted strategy to engage local people in a training and employment program that will position them to be job start qualified and ready to be good and effective employees in the early childhood sector.	DEEWR DEEDI	DET FaHCSIA	Early Childhood Workforce Development strategy developed by October 2010.
		6.2 Train and employ more local people in available jobs in the areas of early childhood health and development.	Q Health DoC FaHCSIA DET DEEWR	DEEDI DoHA	Increase in number of local people who have commenced training or employment in the areas of early childhood health and development since signing of the LIP. Introduction of two (2) Early Childhood traineeships by January 2011.
		6.3 Provide the necessary mentoring and support for local people taking up training and employment opportunities.	FaHCSIA DEEDI DEEWR	DoC DoHA Q Health DET	Mentoring and support services available to trainees and employees in early childhood fields through CDEP and other structured support programs from January 2011.

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5.2 Schooling

Mornington Island representation of Schooling building block

Kunna lelkubu – be educated (Lardil)

Mungurruwatha – to lean or become knowledgeable (Kaiadilt)

In our culture, an Elder is a widely respected man of authority who has been through many rituals and ceremonies and has a deep knowledge of traditional lore. He will be consulted on any important aspect of Aboriginal life.

We also respect our Elder women who teach us other aspects of life.

Targets, outcomes, outputs and action plan for Schooling Building Block
COAG Targets	Indigenous Specific Schooling Outcomes	Schooling Outputs
Close the life expectancy gap within a generation Halve the gap in mortality rates for Indigenous children under five within a decade All four year olds, including in remote indigenous communities, have access to early childhood education within five years Halve the gap for indigenous students in reading, writing and numeracy within a decade At least halve the gap in Year 12 attainment or equivalent attainment rates by 2020 Halve the gap in employment outcomes between Indigenous and non-indigenous Australians within a decade.	Schooling promotes the social inclusion and reduces the educational disadvantage of children, especially Indigenous children Indigenous children and youth meet basic literacy and numeracy standards, and overall levels of literacy and numeracy are improving Indigenous young people successfully transition from school to work and/or further study	School meals and nutrition programs Establishment of a minimum of 35 Children and Family Centres in urban, regional and remote areas with high Indigenous populations* Provision of early learning, child care and parent and family support services to Indigenous families at or through each of the Children and Family Centres Meals programs in early childhood education programs School/Health/Family Hub Centres for family support Support for parents/carers to actively participate in children’s education Professional development in quality and culturally appropriate teaching methods** Early intervention and specialist teachers for low achievers (Accelerated Literacy Program) Holistic services offered through school hubs School meals programs Improve school retention and completion rates from Year 9 up Provision of innovative and tailored learning opportunities and external partnerships with parents, other schools, businesses and communities

** Mornington Island State School is identified to benefit from implementation of the Low Socio-Economic Status Schools (SES) National Partnership Agreement

ACTION PLAN: Kunna Lelkubu - Mungurruwatha - Schooling
Mornington Island Outcome: Education is the future for our children. Mornington Island has a school that embraces the local community, culture and values, and provides quality and caring education to our children that sets the foundation for a good and productive future.
Agreed Goals / Rationales for Action	Strategies	Action	Responsible Agencies		Progress Reporting / Key Milestones Year 1
Agreed Goals / Rationales for Action	Strategies	Action	Lead	Other	Progress Reporting / Key Milestones Year 1
Our children need to be educated to the same quality standards as mainstream schooling. Children with disabilities or learning difficulties are appropriately supported in the school environment to cope with their needs and achieve quality learning. Our culture is respected and embedded in the curriculum of the school. The community will support and encourage their children to attend school and show interest in what they are learning and achieving. Our children will understand the importance of learning, the options available to them and we will encourage them to take up opportunities presented to them. The community will become more involved in supporting school activities and offering volunteer services.	Ensure curriculum and educational attainment are in line with national and Queensland standards.	1.1 Through the planning and implementation of the Low Socio-Economic Status Schools (SES) National Partnership Agreement (NPA) and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Action Plan (ATSIEAP) identify improvements to practice and increased resources required to improve numeracy and literacy outcomes.	DET MISS	DEEWR FaHCSIA MSC	Improvements to practice and increased resources required to improve literacy and numeracy outcomes identified by June 2011.
		1.2 Build a Resource Centre (Library) in the school.	DET MISS	MSC DEEWR	Resource centre to be built and ready to use by the commencement of school in 2011.
	Develop a local model of best practice to achieve improved and sustatined learning outcomes.	2.1 Relevant government agencies will work with the community to develop a seamless model of learning for the 0-17 years cohort, from early childhood to schooling to post-schooling.	DET	DEEWRT FaHCSIA MISS DoC	Learning modelling completed by January 2011. Plan for implementation of modelling work developed by April 2011, to commence Term 2 2011.
	Understand the individual needs of children in order to ensure required services are working with children (and their care givers and the school) to improve their participation and achievement in school.	3.1 Make comprehensive primary health care and development checks available for at at school through an arrangement with MISS, parents and service providers.	DoHA Q Health	DET FaHCSIA DoC	Comprehensive primary health care and development checks commenced by October 2010 (as per Early Childhood Actions 1.4 – 1.6).
		3.2 Develop holistic individual learning plans for each student, with links where appropriate to Early Childhood care plans.	DET	Q Health DoHA DoC FaHCSIA DEEWR	Individual learning plans commenced by November 2010 and in place for all students by May 2011.
		3.3 Focus on improving teacher capability, learning supports and support for students with disabilities to meet identified needs..	DET	DoC FaHCSIA DoHA Q Health MSC DEEWR	Individual learning plans reflect supports and learning needs of students with disabilities and learning difficulties, where appropriate. Suite of additional support options identified to meet the needs of students with disabilities and learning difficulties. Sources of funding secured to provide local responses to need by May 2011.
	Ensure local people are working in schools, delivering culture, supporting students and providing advice to the school about learning, bullying and community engagement.	4.1 Introduction of a cultural mentor program that encourages elders and traditional owners to participate in the school cultural program.	DET	DEEWR DEWHA MSC	Cultural mentor program scoped and developed for consideration by November 2010, and commencement at the beginning of school 2011.
		4.2 Mornington Island State School (MISS) and Mirndiyan Gununa Aboriginal Corporation to continue and grow their strong working relationship in enhancing cultural programs at the school through dance, language and culture.	MISS	DET DEWHA	Formalisation of partnership between MISS and Mirndiyan Gununa Aboriginal Corporation by January 2011.
	Introduce necessary strategies to attract, retain and increase the number of children at school, in a safe environment.	5.1 Conduct cultural camps as part of an attendance and achievement rewards program for students.	MISS	DoC DET FaHCSIA Q Health MSC DEWHA	Cultural camps organised and conducted with participation from parents, elders, community members, the school and other service providers, including Mirndiyan Gununa and PCYC, commencing Term 1 2011.
		5.2 Employment of School Attendance Case Managers.	DoC	DET MISS FaHCSIA DEEWR	Funding sourced and School Attendance Case Managers commence in community by January 2011.
		5.3 Provide consistent career guidance that promotes local options as well as off community.	MISS DET	DEEWR FaHCSIA DEEDI	Career guidance plans incorporated into individual learning plans for students aged 13 and over commencing in Term 1, 2011.
		5.4 Provide a nursing service to the Mornington Island State School, based from the local health centre.	Q Health	DoHA MISS DET	Nursing service to MISS established by November 2011.
	Develop targeted programs for children at risk, or already disengaged, to continue learning.	6.1 Build and operate an Innovative Learning Centre for disengaged students focussed on school aged mothers and secondary male students to engage in VET programs and the Parents as First Teachers (PAFT) program.	MISS DEEWR DET	AGD FaHCSIA DoC Q Health DoHA MSC	Innovative learning centre complete and operational by January 2011. Increase in number of young people returning to learning through the Innovative Learning Centre since signing the LIP.
		6.2 Promote and embed locally developed anti-bullying and acceptable behavioural education programs for students and parents.	DET MISS	DEEWR Q Health MSC DoC	“Stop Bullying in School” education program developed by January 2011 (linked to Early Childhood Action 5.4).
		6.3 Deliver sport and recreation activities including an inter-school sports program across the lower Gulf region.	DET DoHA MISS	DoC Q Health FaHCSIA MSC	Increased participation of MISS students in Gulf and North West region sports activities since signing of the LIP. Introduction of AFL and other inter-school sports at Mornington Island by June 2011.
	Develop a local community wide program to support the attainment of a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and post-transition outcomes.	7.1 Develop a whole of community program that will support students to achieve a national Year 12 qualification or equivalency of Certificate II or above.	DET DEEWR DEEDI	FaHCSIA DoC MISS	Introduction of school based traineeship program by March 2011 for eligible students, including those who are disengaged or returning from boarding school.
		7.2 Increase the levels of school-based Vocational Education and Training programs.	DET	DEEWR DEEDI	School-based VET Coordinator commenced by January 2011.
		7.3 Local service providers to commit to providing work experience placements for students, as well as consider options for school based traineeships and apprenticeships.	MISS DET DEEDI	DEEWR FaHCSIA	Student Work Experience Program developed by March 2011, including promotion and orientation for “employers” and students. Increase in number of school-based traineeships and apprenticeships since signing of the LIP.
		7.4 Continue strong partnership with MMG Century Mine to improve work experience and work placements within the mining and related service industries.	MISS DET DEEWR	FaHCSIA DEEDI DIP DoC	Formalise agreement between MISS and MMG Century Mine regarding options and targets for work experience and work placements for school leavers by January 2011.
		7.5 Conduct at least an annual community wide Careers Day.	DEEWR DEEDI FaHCSIA MSC	DET DoC DoHA Q Health	Inaugural community wide Career Day held by April 2011.
	Support for children and their families to prepare for and succeed at boarding school.	8.1Provide an educational program for parents on understanding their responsibilities in preparing for their children to attend boarding schools, and what they have to do while they are away at school.	DET DEEWR Centrelink	FaHCSIA MSC Q Health DoHA DoC	Boarding school preparation program for parents and students developed by October 2010, for delivery in November and December 2010 and follow up in January 2011.
		8.2 Provide a boarding school support program for students.	DET DEEWR	FaHCSIA MSC Q Health DoHA	Commencement of an induction program into boarding schools for students from Years 6 – 10, involving students, parents and community, by November / December 2010.
	Community engaged in school in a positive and proactive way.	9.1 Local people to be employed to provide cultural learnings in the classroom and wider school environment.	MISS DET	DEEWR FaHCSIA	Increase in number of local people participating in the school, either through training, employment or volunteering, since signing of the LIP.
		9.2 Local P&C Committee maintained and contributing advice to the practice and programs of the school.	MISS DET	DEEWR	Continued development of MISS P&C Committee and promotion of the partnership with the community through targeted engagement and communications.
		9.3 Local people employed at the school are encouraged and supported to undertake career planning and professional development.	MISS DET	DEEWR DEEDI	Career development plans in place by June 2011 for all local people employed at MISS.
		9.4 Work with the community and the MISS P&C to develop targeted PaCE initiatives that ensures increased engagement in the school and promotes the need to support children being educated.	MISS DEEWR	DET FaHCSIA MSC	Initiatives to be developed by November 2010 in order for implementation to commence January 2011
	Build parental capacity, ability, skills and knowledge to participate in education decision making and support.	10.1 The school will work with other local providers to deliver consistent messages, support and tools for parents.	MISS DET DEEWR	FaHCSIA DoC	Increase in number of parents engaging with teachers and Principal regarding children’s education, through Parent – Teacher sessions and other activities at MISS since signing of the LIP.

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5.3 Health - Kuba yurra - Mirra mankarr

Mornington Island representation of Health building block

Kuba yurra – good body (Lardil)

Mirra mankarr – strong and healthy (Kaiadilt)

The type of honeybee on Mornington Island (wankabel) is a native Australian honeybee that does not have a sting and looks more like a fly than a bee.

Choosing the honeybee to represent health is threefold.

Firstly, because of the purity of the special honey it produces (traditionally a great treat);
secondly, it is a good and healthy source of food; and
thirdly, it has not been contaminated or exterminated by foreign bee species.

It represents the purity of good health.

Targets, outcomes, outputs and action plan for Health Building Block
COAG Targets	Indigenous Specific Health Outcomes	Health Outputs
Close the life expectancy gap within a generation Halve the gap in mortality rates for Indigenous children under five within a decade All four year olds, including in remote indigenous communities, have access to early childhood education within five years At least halve the gap in Year 12 attainment or equivalent attainment rates by 2020 Halve the gap in employment outcomes between Indigenous and non-indigenous Australians within a decade.	Indigenous Australians and those living in rural and remote areas or on low incomes achieve health outcomes comparable to the broader population Indigenous people have ready access to suitable and culturally inclusive primary health and preventive services Indigenous people remain healthy and free of preventable disease	Improved quality and coverage of primary health services Prevention, early detection and management of major chronic diseases Address key behavioural chronic disease risk factors (e.g. smoking, risky drinking, poor diet and obesity) Improved quality and coverage of primary health services Address key behavioural chronic disease risk factors (e.g. smoking, risky drinking, poor diet and obesity) Increased provision of antenatal care services targeted at young Indigenous women Increased provision of sexual and reproductive health services for Indigenous teenagers Increased provision of maternal and child health services for Indigenous children and their mothers Reduction in alcohol use and smoking More flexible models of service delivery and improved coordination of care Reduction in alcohol use and smoking Promotion of breastfeeding Pre-school meals programs Increased provision of maternal and child health services for Indigenous children and their mothers Chronic disease management, including good health, fitness and nutrition

ACTION PLAN: Kuba yurra - Mirra mankarr – Health
Mornington Island Outcome: Mornington Island people understand, and are confident to access health services that contribute to their improved health and wellbeing.
Agreed Goals / Rationales for Action	Strategies	Action	Responsible Agencies		Progress Reporting / Key Milestones Year 1
Agreed Goals / Rationales for Action	Strategies	Action	Lead	Other	Progress Reporting / Key Milestones Year 1
The community needs to have a better understanding of our health status, from an individual and community perspective, and how we can improve our own health. Community needs to be involved in the design and delivery of health services to have a sense of ownership of services. The local health service system needs to be able to be understood by community so that people can access with more confidence and ease. There needs to be more regularity and consistency of Doctors visiting the community so that patients can develop a relationship with them. Chronic and renal disease is our biggest concern in community. We need to better understand this and how we can improve it, and we need to have better support services at the local level to do this. Community wants to be able to look after family members with renal disease in the best possible way, preferably in community but also supporting them if they have to go away for treatment. Mornington Island babies should be born healthy and grow up to be healthy, strong and confident. Need to improve community capacity to support people with complex issues such as drug and alcohol use, mental health, and emotional and social wellbeing, so that they can get better and live a full positive life. Need to improve our dental hygiene and care as it can lead to chronic disease. Community want to be able to provide the best support they can for their people with health issues and needs, as carers, escorts, mentors, health workers and volunteers. Need to improve the response times in cases of health emergencies.	Gather information about prevalence of disease, hospital admissions and causative factors, to provide community with a clear picture of their current health status.	1.1 Data and information (such as health service use statistics) will be made available to the community. The data will be presented in an understandable and meaningful way.	Q Health DoHA	DoC	Relevant current health data to be presented to community by December 2010.
	Community education regarding priority health issues and promotion of ways to reduce and prevent illness.	2.1 Comprehensive adult and child health checks (as per Early Childhood Action 1.4 – 1.6), are made available. All community members are encouraged to access through a range of service entry points.	Q Health DoHA	DoC FaHCSIA MSC	Comprehensive health check surge commenced by October 2010.
		2.2 Develop local health promotion and health education resources and materials targeting particular health issues relevant to the community.	Q Health DoHA		Local health promotion and health education resources, with input from community, developed by April 2011.
	Community and government will work together to design a more integrated and coordinated local health service that includes all providers, local and visiting.	3.1 analyse the available health status information; Identify the full suite of health services required to respond to the local health status; Determine what can be practically delivered locally; develop local community based interventions; and establish an organised and integrated health system.	Q Health DoHA	DoC FaHCSIA MSC	Integrated health service modelling will be completed by April 2011.
		3.2 Establish a LIP Health Working Group to provide advice and guidance on existing service quality, program development and the re-design of the health system.	Q Health DoHA	DoC FaHCSIA MSC	LIP Health Working Group established with full representation of cultural groups, organisations and service providers, with a clear understanding by members of purpose, function and operating guidelines by September 2010. Q Health Senior Health Worker authorised to participate in this group.
		3.3 Identify types of disability supports required in community and opportunities to improve on current local supports.	DoC Q Health FaHCSIA	DoHA MSC Centrelink	Analysis of disability rates and types in community for gaps and opportunities, and identification of required disability supports by February 2011.
	Ensure all community members have up to date Medicare and appropriate Health Care cards.	4.1 Medicare registration checks and updates will be completed for community members as part of comprehensive health checks.	Q Health DoHA	DoC FaHCSIA MSC	Update of Medicare registrations for all individuals and families receiving a health check.
		4.2 Centrelink will promote entitlements for Health Care Cards and assist eligible customers to claim, and will work with health providers to implement appropriate measures that will overcome access barriers resulting from misplaced Health Care Cards	Centrelink	Q Health DoHA FaHCSIA DEEWR MSC DoC	Promotion of Health Care card measure through all local service providers.
	Establish a local health workforce development strategy.	5.1 Map all current and proposed health workforce positions in the community and positions with visiting service providers.	Q Health DoHA	DEEWR FaHCSIA	Mornington Island Health workforce mapping completed by November 2010.
		5.2 Government and service providers will work with community to conduct a local skills audit and develop a workforce and capability development strategy.	Q Health DoHA DEEWR	FaHCSIA DEEDI	Local Health Workforce and Capability Development Strategy completed and implementation plan developed by June 2011.
		5.3 Identify needs relating to staff housing to attract and retain a suitable workforce, including exploring: potential locations availability of land associated costs.	Q Health DoHA RILIPO MSC	FaHCSIA DoC	Staff housing needs and options identified by December 2010.
	Improved frequency of visiting services.	6.1Provide additional, regular and consistent services from visiting Doctors based in the Family Centred Primary Health Care Service in Normanton and from Q Health, with a chronic disease focus.	Q Health DoHA		Increase in number of Doctors visiting on a consistent and regular basis since signing of the LIP.
	Implementation of Chronic Disease Medical Specialist Outreach Assistance Program (MSOAP).	7.1Provide information to the community about the implementation of the Chronic Disease Medical Specialist Outreach Assistance Program (MSOAP) including potential new services and discuss how they might be delivered.	Q Health	DoHA	Chronic Disease MSOAP community information disseminated and discussion with LIP Health Working Group about types of service and potential delivery models by September 2010.
	Community focus on getting healthy through improved nutrition.	8.1Community, service providers, kiosk and community store to work together to develop a local health nutrition promotion strategy, encouraging the sourcing and consumption of affordable, quality, and healthy food.	Q Health DoHA	MSC DoC DET FaHCSIA	Local Nutrition Health Promotion Strategy and relevant resource and promotional materials developed by April 2011.
		8.2 Community will identify and organise means of providing and cooking traditional foods to Aged Care Hostel clients, that does not compromise requisite safety standards.	DoHA MSC	Q Health FaHCSIA DoC	Council to work with stakeholders and families to deliver a solution by September 2010.
	Develop a good practice model for community renal disease management.	9.1Q Health will work with the community to investigate workable options for a quality renal service in the community, including: Possible models of training in the community for self-dialysing patients and their carers; Education about the opportunities and risks of home dialysis; and Exploring other models of renal disease management in remote Indigenous communities.	Q Health	DoHA MSC	Local Renal Disease Management Strategy developed by April 2011.
		9.2 Provide specific training and education in community for potential carers.	Q Health	DoHA MSC FaHCSIA	Local training and education package for potential carers developed by December 2010.
	Develop and deliver improved services and local support systems that provide quality antenatal, child and maternal health care.	10.1Introduce a range of pre-parenting programs which will include teaching practical skills like good nutrition, developmental milestones, and child raising (expansion of Early Childhood Action 1.1).	DoHA Q Health FaHCSIA DoC	DET DEEWR	Scoping of child and maternal health services, including gap analysis and identification of opportunities to improve completed by March 2011.
		10.2 Establish appropriate avenues for sharing information about baby care including practical advice and assistance with breastfeeding, nutrition, hygiene and parenting.	DoHA Q Health FaHCSIA DoC	DET DEEWR	Options for local promotion of ante-natal and post-natal care advice identified by December 2010.
		10.3 Provide improved follow up care for mothers and babies returning from regional centres to their home through positive experiences eg Welcoming Babies Ceremonies.	DoHA Q Health FaHCSIA DoC	DET DEEWR	Scoping of pathways and support networks for mothers and babies returning to community, and identification of practical strategies to promote by December 2010. Community Welcoming Babies Ceremony held by February 2011.
	Establish a community wide model of Wellbeing that ensures that there is “no wrong door” for individuals with complex needs, whether they stem from alcohol and drug issues, mental health, or long term disengagement.	11.1Community will work with government and service providers to develop community driven strategies to tackle the critical issues of home brew and drug use, and their impact on the health and wellbeing of children in the community.	Q Health DoC FaHCSIA	DoHA MSC	LIP Health Working Group endorsement of community strategy re anti-home brew and anti-drugs by December 2010.
		11.2 Ensure the Wellbeing service model for Mornington Island includes links to other services in the community and external to the community, through clear case coordination and case management frameworks.	DoHA	Q Health FaHCSIA DoC MSC	Wellbeing Service model complete and presented to community by September 2010.
		11.3 The model of the Wellbeing Service will include a focus on building community capacity to enable transition of the services to eventual community control.	DoHA	Q Health FaHCSIA	Lower Gulf Regional Health Forum to explore processes and phases of capability development and transition of services to community control by June 2011.
		11.4 Develop infrastructure for the Mornington Island Wellbeing Service in a manner that is culturally appropriate and supportive, and promotes access by community for positive reasons.	DoHA	MSC Q Health FaHCSIA DoC	Community involvement in infrastructure modelling for Wellbeing Centre throughout development. Wellbeing Centre infrastructure finalised by February 2011.
		11.5 Introduce the Personal Helpers and Mentors Service (PHaMS) to grow the capacity of families and carers of people suffering from mental health issues to provide appropriate support.	FaHCSIA	DoHA Q Health	PHaMS service commenced in community by September 2010.
		11.6 Develop a culturally appropriate and supportive model and infrastructure for the Normanton Residential Rehabilitation Service that supports Mornington Island people to access for treatment, and links with the WBC	DoHA	Q Health FaHCSIA DoC	Community involvement in service and infrastructure modelling for the Normanton Residential Rehabilitation Service. Commencement of infrastructure works for Normanton Residential Rehabilitation Service by July 2011.
	Develop an improved Oral Health Care Plan for the community.	12.1Identify and implement strategies to increase frequency of dental service visits to community.	Q Health	DoHA	Increase of visiting dental services to monthly by January 2011.
		12.2 Establish a teeth brushing health promotion campaign in the school.	Q Health MISS	DET DoHA	Teeth brushing health promotion campaign commenced in school by February 2011.
	Provide structured support for carers, escorts and mentors in the community.	13.1 Introduce a register of volunteer carers and provide orientation and training.	Q Health DoHA FaHCSIA	DoC MSC	Volunteer register and capability development plan in place by January 2011.
	Increase the involvement of community in the operations of the Qld Ambulance Services.	14.1 LIP Health Working Group to work with Qld Ambulance Service to identify practical strategies that will contribute to improved response times, such as: Street signage and clear house numbering; Local recruitment campaign and mentoring / development strategy to engage and retain local trainees; Community assistance to find places / people during callouts.	FaHCSIA Q Health MSC	DoHA DoC DEEWR	Local strategies to improve responsiveness of ambulance services identified by February 2011 and implemented by June 2011.

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5.4 Healthy Homes - Mirra Nathaa, Kuba natha karra

Mornington Island representation of Healthy Homes building block

Kuba natha karrar – good home (Lardil)

Mirra nathaa – healthy home (Kaiadilt)

This symbol shows a family being protected from the prevailing wind by a traditional windbreak which would have been made out of brush, branches and leaves.

It was only necessary to use this windbreak during the winter months when the south east winds blow.

In the summer months the north east wind blows which is more of a cooling breeze. The windbreak may have been used then but more as a means of privacy than to protect the family from the wind.

Targets, outcomes, outputs and action plan for Healthy Homes Building Block
COAG Targets	Indigenous Specific Healthy Homes Outcomes	Health y Homes Outputs
Close the life expectancy gap within a generation Halve the gap in mortality rates for Indigenous children under five within a decade Halve the gap for indigenous students in reading, writing and numeracy within a decade At least halve the gap in Year 12 attainment or equivalent attainment rates by 2020 Halve the gap in employment outcomes between Indigenous and non-indigenous Australians within a decade.	Indigenous children’s living environments are healthy Indigenous families live in appropriate housing with access to all basic utilities Indigenous people have improved housing amenity and reduced overcrowding, particularly in remote areas and discrete communities Indigenous people have the same housing opportunities as other people	Address overcrowding and environmental health through: maintenance and repair of existing housing Improve environmental housing (sewerage and water quality) to combat communicable disease Establishment of a minimum of 35 Children and Family Centres in urban, regional and remote areas with high Indigenous populations and high disadvantage * Provision of early learning, child care and parent and family support services to Indigenous families at or through each of the Children and Family Centres National Affordable Housing Agreement: Reduce housing overcrowding Social Housing NP: Reduce housing overcrowding Remote Indigenous Housing NP: Reduce housing overcrowding *** National Affordable Housing Agreement: Reduce housing overcrowding Social Housing NP: Reduce housing overcrowding Local investment in construction – government procurement includes Indigenous participation

***Mornington Island is identified to benefit from implementation of the Remote Indigenous Housing National Partnership.

ACTION PLAN: Mirra natha -Kuba natha Karra - Healthy Home
Mornington Island Outcome: Mornington Island people live in good homes that are not overcrowded and that we take pride in.
Agreed Goals / Rationales for Action	Strategies	Action	Responsible Agencies		Progress Reporting / Key Milestones Year 1
Agreed Goals / Rationales for Action	Strategies	Action	Lead	Other	Progress Reporting / Key Milestones Year 1
All houses are repaired and maintained to a high standard. New houses, replacements and extensions are built to ensure a reduction in overcrowding and increase the life cycle of properties. Comprehensive township and land use plans are in place to guide good decision making for future growth. Leverage off infrastructure development to create employment and business opportunities. The necessary infrastructure systems are in place to support population and capital growth and to support environmental health outcomes. Households are encouraged to take more pride in their living space, be good tenants and look after their homes.	Urgent and emergent repairs and maintenance is undertaken in a timely manner.	1.1 Define a more efficient local system of reporting, assessing and undertaking repairs which requires QBuild and Mornington Shire Council (MSC) Works Dept to assist tenants.	DoC Q Build MSC	RILIPO FaHCSIA	Improved local system of reporting, assessing and undertaking repairs and maintenance developed and promoted in community by December 2010.
	A rolling program of major repairs and upgrades is developed based on priority need.	2.1 Develop a detailed program of works for major repairs and upgrades, which includes a local training, employment and procurement strategy.	RILIPO MSC FaHCSIA	DoC QBuild DEEWR DEEDI	Detailed program of works developed by November 2010. Related training, employment and procurement strategy developed by December 2010.
		2.2 Tenants will be fully informed and consulted in relation to works to be undertaken on their home.	DoC Q Build MSC	RILIPO FaHCSIA	Strategy for informing and consulting with tenants about repairs and maintenance work established and implemented by September 2010.
		2.3 All houses to have fences.	MSC Q Build	RILIPO DoC	Fencing maintenance of all houses completed by June 2011.
	New houses, replacements and plug-ins are delivered to the community to reduce overcrowding stress.	3.1Tenants allocated new housing will be informed early and be appropriately consulted about house design.	RILIPO MSC DoC	FaHCSIA Q Build	Strategy for informing and consulting with tenants about house design established and implemented by September 2010.
		3.2 Tenants will meet their obligations as tenants, pay rent, care for the property and report problems quickly.	DoC MSC	FaHCSIA Q Build	Local education and information resources on tenant obligations identified for use by October 2010.
	Complete all relevant land administration actions required to enable growth of housing and development.	4.1 Develop a town and land use plan compliant with Queensland legislation.	RILIPO MSC	DERM DIP	Draft town and land use plan completed by May 2011.
		4.2 Full survey network to be completed.	RILIPO MSC	DERM DIP	Full survey network to be completed by December 2011.
		4.3 Land Tenure actions coming out of the survey network project are undertaken to rectify issues with roads, reserves and lease boundaries to create a homogenous cadastral network to facilitate future lease opportunities for government and non government parties.	RILIPO MSC	DERM	Roads, Reserves and other tenures will have surveyed and aligned boundaries by 2012.
	Develop a targeted workforce development capacity plan for all aspects of infrastructure development.	5.1The Remote Indigenous Land and Infrastructure Program Office (RILIPO) will coordinate and sequence all government infrastructure works in order to maximise opportunities for local employment and business development.	RILIPO MSC DEEDI	FaHCSIA DEEWR DET	Technical Working Group established and meeting regularly by August 2010. Comprehensive land and infrastructure plan for Mornington Island developed by November 2010.
		5.2 The MSC and other local Indigenous providers will be supported, as and if required, to grow capacity in order to have a better chance of securing business in delivering the housing program.	FaHCSIA DEEWR MSC DEEDI	RILIPO DoC	Model for local Indigenous business and workforce development in housing construction and maintenance and other associated fields developed by October 2010.
		5.3 Resolve outstanding land tenure matters so progress on community and social housing infrastructure is not delayed and community can benefit through jobs and investment.	RILIPO MSC	DIP DERM FaHCSIA	Identify outstanding land tenure matters and develop a resolution plan by January 2011.
		5.4 CDEP, JSA, School & training providers will develop a specific construction industry program for secondary students and adults recognising existing skills and capabilities.	FaHCSIA DET DEEWR DEEDI	RILIPO MSC MISS	Construction Industry Program for secondary students and adults developed by December 2010 for implementation in 2011.
	Environmental health infrastructure systems to be in place to support capital and population core requirements.	6.1 Government will deliver a range of essential infrastructure upgrades, including: Sewerage ponds upgrade and outfall; and Construction of new landfill and rehabilitation.	DIP DPW MSC	RILIPO FaHCSIA Q Health	Essential infrastructure upgrades completed by Dec 2010. Prioritisation of Mornington Island for funding under the next round of the Indigenous Services Infrastructure Program (ISIP).
		6.2 Deliver a long term capacity building and sustainability strategy that includes support for infrastructure systems, service providers and communities, service standards, appropriate technology and water conservation under the Water for the Future initiative.			Water for the Future capacity building strategy developed by March 2011.
	Deliver to all households the “Pride in my Home” program that will include a starter kit and support program.	7.1 Develop and deliver a “Pride in my Home” program that offers education on tenant responsibilities, starter kits with basic household cleaning and replacement items, access to a small amount of funds per household to undertake home and/or yard clean up and beautification activities and tailored education and support in relation to home maker skills.	FaHCSIA DoC MSC	RILIPO DEEWR	Roll out of “Pride in my Home” program commenced by February 2011.

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5.5 Safe Communities – Jala mummurr, Biyarinjunda

Mornington Island representation of Safe Communities building block

Jala mumurr – to protect someone (a body of people) (Lardil)

Biyarinjunda – mother and calf dugong (Kaiadilt)

In nature mothers are fiercely protective of their young who are vulnerable and need their mother’s love and care. Looking at a dugong mother and her calf makes us understand the vulnerability of our young and that it is our responsibility to care for our children.

The dugong is a traditional source of food in our culture, but the relationship between dugong mother and her calf is protected. As such, at certain times of the year dugong cannot be hunted.

Targets, outcomes, outputs and action plan for Safe Communities Building Block
COAG Targets	Indigenous Specific Safe Communities Outcomes	Safe Communities Outputs
Close the life expectancy gap within a generation Halve the gap in mortality rates for Indigenous children under five within a decade Halve the gap for indigenous students in reading, writing and numeracy within a decade At least halve the gap in Year 12 attainment or equivalent attainment rates by 2020 Halve the gap in employment outcomes between Indigenous and non-indigenous Australians within a decade.	Indigenous children and families are safe and protected from violence and neglect in their home and communities Alcohol and other drug abuse among Indigenous people is overcome Breaking cycles of criminal behaviour and violence normalisation	Addressing alcohol/substance abuse and harm through prevention, diversion and treatment services Mental health treatment that is culturally sensitive, in liaison with substance abuse and criminal justice services Healthy living programs focusing on harmful/hazardous consumption of alcohol and smoking cessation Addressing alcohol/substance abuse and harm through prevention, diversion and treatment services Addressing alcohol/substance abuse and harm through prevention, diversion and treatment services Closing the Gap in Indigenous Health Outcomes NP: Addressing alcohol/substance abuse and harm Support youth at risk of contact with justice system Preventive Health NP : Addressing alcohol/substance abuse and harm Community Leadership Program Mental health promotion programs (including coping skills) Addressing alcohol / substance abuse and harm Mental health promotion Diversionary programs / skills learning within juvenile justice programs

ACTION PLAN: Jala mumurr - Biyarinjunda – Safe Communities
Mornington Island Outcome: Mornington Island people – men, women and children – are safe, respectful, active and well within their families, friends and community.
Agreed Goals / Rationales for Action	Strategies	Action	Responsible Agencies		Progress Reporting / Key Milestones Year 1
Agreed Goals / Rationales for Action	Strategies	Action	Lead	Other	Progress Reporting / Key Milestones Year 1
Community, government and other stakeholders contribute to the development of a community in which everyone feels safe. Men, Women and Young people have their own spaces. Organised and positive sport and recreational activities and spaces are in place for all community members. Relationships between families, police and other service providers are constructive and respectful. There are a full range of responsive family services to support individuals and families.	Development of a comprehensive Community Safety Strategy through a partnership with community, governments and other stakeholders that focuses on having the hard yarn and agree on the collective actions in relation to dealing with: Alcohol (and other substance abuse); Violence (family violence and child abuse); Policing and understanding laws and legal rights; Youth Detention; Adult Offenders; Local Crime Prevention Strategies; and Gambling.	1.1 Community and stakeholders will work together to develop and implement actions in the Community Safety Strategy.	DoC AGD MSC QPS	FaHCSIA JAG	Comprehensive Community Safety Plan developed by February 2011.
		1.2 Households will choose to nominate their houses as “Grog Free Houses” and display public signage.	DoC MSC DoHA Q Health	Police FaHCSIA JAG AGD	“Grog Free House” campaign commenced by November 2010.
		1.3 Construction of a storage facility for OPAL fuel, to enable the roll-out of OPAL fuel across the Gulf region. Commence discussions and negotiations with fuel retailers and other stakeholders across the Gulf region.	DoHA	FaHCSIA	New OPAL storage facility completed by June 2011.
		1.4 Establish a Child Safe House that will ensure the immediate protection and care of children at risk and provide the necessary support to parents and caregivers to remedy factors leading to their removal.	DoC MSC	FaHCSIA	Safe House operational by June 2011
		1.5 Continue to fund the Safe Haven initiative.	DoC	FaHCSIA	Funding to continue delivery of Safe Haven initiative committed to by December 2010.
		1.6 Community members will nominate to be kinship and foster carers.	DoC	MSC FaHCSIA	Options and models for foster and kinship care recruitment and support completed by October 2010.
		1.7 Completion of police accommodation.	DPW Police	MSC FaHCSIA	New police accommodation to be complete by December 2010.
		1.8 Maintain approved staffing strength of Police.	Police		Zero reduction in police staffing strength since signing of the LIP.
		1.9 Undertake an extensive audit of needs and costing of street lighting and seek necessary investment.	FaHCSIA DoC MSC	JAG AGD Police	Scoping of options for improved street lighting throughout community completed by September 2010.
		1.10 Deliver portable lights for night time activities as well as provide back up generator option in emergencies.	FaHCSIA		Portable lights and back up generator delivered to community by September 2010.
		1.11 All streets are to have proper signage and houses to be numbered for emergency call outs.	MSC DoC DIP	FaHCSIA Police	Strategy for achieving comprehensive street signage and house numbering developed by November 2010.
	Create independent and safe places for Men, Women and young people to meet, participate in positive activities and access sensitive and targeted services.	2.1 Refurbish the Women’s Shelter to become a mulit-purpose Women’s Centre that provides a shelter service as well as a meeting place for the delivery of a range of positive programs for all women, including their children.	DoC FaHCSIA	Q Health DoHA MSC	Women’s Centre refurbished and programs being delivered by July 2011.
		2.2 Establish a place where all men can meet, design and participate in a range of positive and productive activities and access services that are targeted toward men which may be sensitive.	FaHCSIA DoC	Q Health DoHA MSC	Men’s space developed and activities being delivered by December 2010.
		2.3 Deliver the Youth Retreat which is a place for 18-25 year olds to meet, participate in positive activities and be supported to make and act on a range of good life decisions.	DoC	FaHCSIA Q Health DoHA MSC DEEWR DET	Youth Retreat established an operating by June 2011.
	Develop new, as well as use, existing facilities and recreational areas to undertake positive family and community based sporting, recreational and cultural activities.	3.1 Conduct a feasibility study into building a pool or water park type facility to cater for water safety issues and provide a positive meeting place for families.	DoHA DoC MSC	FaHCSIA Q Health	Pool / Water Park feasibility study conducted by June 2011.
		3.2 PCYC to commit to utilising their sports officers and Police Liaison Officers, as well as grow community volunteers, to assist in the development and coordination of community based sporting competitions for both men and women, including a local rugby league competition built on the “Say no to Violence” initiative established by Normanton Stingers.	DoHA DoC Police	AGD JAG FaHCSIA MSC	Increase in community based sporting events / competitions since signing of the LIP.
		3.3 The community and providers such as CDEP develop a number of Community Pride projects where parks, public recreation areas and sporting fields are cleaned up, fixed up and used.	FaHCSIA MSC	DoC DEEWR	Community Pride projects commenced by September 2010.
	Develop constructive and respectful relationships between families, with police and other Service Providers.	4.1 Establish a forum where the police, justice group and other interested community members can meet and have constructive dialogue in relation to emerging matters of law and order.	Police DoC MSC	FaHCSIA AGD JAG	Community / Police / Justice forum established by September 2010 with clear understanding of purpose.
		4.2 Increased youth justice conferencing services which provide a restorative justice process to which young offenders can be referred.	DoC	JAG Police DET AGD FaHCSIA	Work with community and stakeholders to analyse youth justice conferencing / restorative justice opportunities to be completed by December 2010.
	Ensure a needs -based system of tailored family and human services is in place to assist community to meet the challenges of community life on a remote and isolated island and build individual capacity and confidence to access services that ensure positive and productive outcomes.	5.1 Employ a local Youth Coordinator to work with the young people and the community to determine needs, design solutions, establish a Youth Council and lead the co-ordination and enhancement of necessary youth services.	FaHCSIA	AGD DoC MSC	Youth Coordinator position established by March 2011. Youth Council established by June 2011.
		5.2 Continue the delivery of the Peacemaker Program that provides mediation services by local people, with support, to tackle conflict and build respective relationships.	AGD	JAG Police	Funding committed for further 3 years of operations by August 2010.
		5.3 A community transport system to be organised between existing service providers in possession of buses.	FaHCSIA DoC MSC	DoHA Q Health	Community transport system organised and promoted by September 2010.
		5.4 Provide access to emergency relief support and financial literacy services.	FaHCSIA	MSC DoC	Scoping of financial wellbeing model, including identification of quantum of need for emergency relief, and links to other financial literacy supports, completed by October 2010. Establishment of comprehensive financial wellbeing service by January 2011.
		5.5 Build and deliver a coordinated system of family and children care and protection that is easily accessible and tailored to needs and sensitivities.	DoC FaHCSIA	DET DoHA Q Health	Modelling of family and children care and protection system completed by October 2010.

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5.6 Economic Participation - Jilka marlda, Mutha marlda

Mornington Island representation of Economic Participation building block

Jika marlda – many hands (Lardil)

Mutha marlda – many hands (Kaiadilt)

For thousands of years the Indigenous people of northern Australia traded shells, ochre, feathers and other materials with their neighbours on the continent and beyond it.

Baler shell was collected in the Gulf of Carpentaria in Australia ’s north and traded south and west across Australia. With each exchange the value increased. On the coast, shells were used for water carriers and scrapers. In Central Australia they became sacred and ceremonial objects.

This exchange connected Aboriginal people in Australia ’s north to others in Central Australia and as far south as the present-day Flinders Ranges in South Australia.

Targets, outcomes, outputs and action plan for Economic Participation Building Block
COAG Targets	Indigenous Specific Economic Participation Outcomes	Economic Participation Outputs
Close the life expectancy gap within a generation Halve the gap in mortality rates for Indigenous children under five within a decade Halve the gap in employment outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians within a decade	The Indigenous working age population has the depth and breadth of skills and capabilities required for the 21st Century labour market Indigenous people of working age participate effectively in all sectors and at all levels of the labour market	Increased employment participation impacts positively on life expectancy National Healthcare Agreement: Increase number and quality of training of Indigenous health workforce Closing the Gap in Indigenous Health Outcomes NP: Increase number and quality of training of Indigenous health workforce Focus on industry sectors with jobs growth potential (e.g. health, education, construction and government services) Increase access to employment and training services (extend intensive assistance program to Indigenous job seekers, wage assistance programs, and continue and extend to STEP program) Increase access to employment and training services – extend intensive assistance program to Indigenous job seekers Build aspirations and foundation skills of unemployed and those outside the labour force Focus on industry sectors with jobs growth potential (e.g. education) Build professional pathways for Indigenous people and Indigenous education workers who with to progress to teaching

** Mornington Island community is identified to benefit from the National Job Conversion Package under the Indigenous Economic Participation National Partnership Agreement (IEP NPA).

ACTION PLAN: Jilka marlda - Mutha marlda - Economic Participation
Mornington Island Outcome: Mornington Island community reaches its true potential, with our people being ready to take up opportunities for training, employment and business, and succeeding.
Agreed Goals / Rationales for Action	Strategies	Action	Responsible Agencies		Progress Reporting / Key Milestones Year 1
Agreed Goals / Rationales for Action	Strategies	Action	Lead	Other	Progress Reporting / Key Milestones Year 1
That the community of Mornington Island have the skills and motivation to take up jobs in our community and do them well. All our children are educated and get jobs. We need to create the pathways that encourage young people to go to school, get educated and aspire to getting qualifications that lead to meaningful employment. Employers are working together to create the demand and commitment to employ and support successful gains of Mornington Island people in the workforce. Mornington Island people are part of the economic footprint of our communities and beyond. We own and operate our own successful businesses. Governments proactively commitment to improving employment outcomes for Mornington Island and use all policy and program opportunities to do so.	1. Work with the community to develop them as the point of local labour supply for existing and emerging services.	1.1 Establish a Community Participation & Capacity Building program to provide a soft entry point on a pathway towards pre-employment, training and employment. This program will focus on building the work condition of people through engagement in community activities of interest to them, and will support them through a holistic case managed approach to overcome their personal barriers to greater civic engagement and eventual employment.	FaHCSIA	DEEWR DEEDI Q Health DoHA MSC	Provider established and program scoping and modelling undertaken by September 2010. Referral pathways and service provider partnerships established by October 2010. Service fully operational by October 2010.
		1.2 Employ local people as employment and training mentors who will provide individual support to jobseekers to both participate and complete the required training and/or to retain their employment.	FaHCSIA MSC	DEEWR DEEDI	Two (2) Employment & Training Mentors to be employed by CDEP by October 2010.
		1.3 Employ a CDEP Employment and Training Manager to improve CDEP training and employment outcomes by assisting to deliver credible skills of potential employees based on employer and job requirements.	FaHCSIA MSC	DEEWR DEEDI	Employment and Training Manager to be employed by CDEP by October 2010.
		1.4 Employ an Adult Literacy & Numeracy Teacher to develop minimum literacy and numeracy skill sets of individuals engaged in pre-employment activities and employment., targeting training at the skills necessary to do the jobs that are available.	FaHCSIA MSC	DEEWR DEEDI DET	Literacy & Numeracy Teacher to be employed by CDEP by October 2010. Partnership arrangements with other related service providers (eg MISS, JSAs) established by November 2010 Single generic base level training package identified by November 2010.
		1.5 Develop an “Employer Capability Support Package ”, to inform employers on how best to achieve local recruitment outcomes.	DEEWR DEEDI	FaHCSIA MSC Centrelink	Local Employer Capability Support Package developed by March 2011.
		1.6 Deliver a financial wellbeing program that will be available to all community members to provide support and tools to manage their own money and make good financial decisions (see related Safe Communities Action 5.4)	FaHCSIA	MSC	Commencement of My Moola budgeting training program by October 2010. Scoping of comprehensive financial wellbeing model completed by October 2010. Establishment of broader comprehensive financial wellbeing service by January 2011.
		1.7 Provide opportunity for people to obtain appropriate forms of identification, and other requirements (eg Blue Cards, Learners Licenses) through a simple and supported process.	FaHCSIA DoC	MSC Centrelink DEEWR	Identification Drive to be held by October 2010, incorporating Blue Card registration and linked to Learners Licence testing.
	Strengthen the transitions from school to work to raise the aspirations of students.	2.1 Investigate a minimum literacy and numeracy skill set for early school leavers to be set at competence in VET Vocational Literacy 3 (39153QLD) and competence in VET Vocational Numeracy 3 (39163QLD). Also see related Schooling Actions (7.1 – 7.5).	DET FaHCSIA	DEEWR DEEDI	In conjunction with the CDEP Literacy and Numeracy Teacher investigate the feasibility of prioritising a minimum skill set by 30 December 2010.
	Grow the demand for local Indigenous labour.	3.1 Establish a local Education, Employment and Training Working Group to discuss ways to better plan, coordinate and deliver programs that transition local people into sustained employment, through a client focussed case management approach.	FaHCSIA	DEEWR DET DEEDI MSC	Mornington Island Education, Employment and Training Working Group established by August 2010. Development of an employment case management model to support employees to retain employment and to improve their employment prospects by February 2011.
		3.2 Develop a comprehensive workforce strategy linked into existing service provider roles and training programs. It will build and strengthen relationships and networks within the community to improve people ’s access to the range of support services available and develop new ways for the community and service providers to work together. Particular focus will be given to new and expanding workforce requirements in the local and regional sectors, including: Childcare Education Health Family & social services Building & construction Mining & related industry	DEEWR DEEDI	FaHCSIA Q Health DoHA DET MSC RILIPO DoC	Labour market mapping to identify the size and type of existing and potential growth opportunities to be completed by October 2010. Skills mapping against existing and new employment opportunities to be completed by November 2010. Identification of off-community prevocational training and employment opportunities by December 2010 and quarterly thereafter Identification and prioritisation of community wide training needs and opportunities into a plan by December 2010. Government to set targets for local employment, traineeships and cadetships by March 2011.
		3.3 Government agencies to identify opportunities for local people to move into roles that are currently serviced on a fly in fly out basis, including management and supervisory positions.	DEEWR DEEDI	All Agencies	Government agencies to identify local labour requirements by October 2010. Government to set targets for local employment, traineeships and cadetships by March 2011. Government to work with service providers to include transition provisions in new contracts for services.
		3.4 Develop and promote a Role Model campaign that features Mornington Island people who have succeeded in education, work and business	DEEWR FaHCSIA MSC	DEEDI Centrelink DET Q Health	Design and marketing of a Mornington Island Role Model campaign completed by January 2011.
	Business Development support provided locally in an ongoing and consistent manner to ensure capacity building and sustainability.	4.1 Government agencies to promote and encourage local Indigenous contractors (where this is possible) to access Government business either in supply or delivery services.	DEEWR DEEDI MSC	All other agencies	Government agencies to identify and promote potential contract opportunities to local Indigenous business owners by December 2010 and quarterly thereafter.”
		4.2 Government agencies are to identify where programs or service contracting is proving to be a barrier to increased Indigenous enterprise.	DEEWR DEEDI MSC	All other agencies	Government agencies to identify where existing programs and service contracting are causing barriers to increased enterprise and determine solutions by December 2010.
		4.3 Continued support for small business development provided by the Aboriginal Development Benefits Trust (ADBT) and IRES.	DEEWR	FaHCSIA MSC	Government funding contribution provided for continued business development support for 10/11 committed by August 2010.
		4.4 Ongoing meetings and growth of the Mornington Island Chamber of Commerce.	DEEWR MSC	FaHCSIA DEEDI	Regular meetings of the Chamber of Commerce occurring since signing of the LIP.
	Utilise Government investment to leverage capital development and service delivery investments emanating from the COAG reform agenda to drive employment outcomes.	5.1 Investigate the feasibility of establishing a Gulf Indigenous supplier network with an immediate focus on an Indigenous Construction entity.	FaHCSIA MSC	DEEWR DEEDI	Feasibility of the establishment of a Gulf Indigenous Construction Company completed by January 2011.
		5.2 Develop a Local Industry Capability Package that will define and promote the requirements to be fulfilled by local providers who wish to tender for and win government contracts.	DEEWR DEEDI	FaHCSIA MSC	Local Industry Capability Package developed and being promoted by April 2011.
		5.3 Construct and establish a fully operational motel on Mornington Island that will provide opportunities for local training and employment through both the construction phase and ongoing operations.	FaHCSIA MSC	DEEWR DEEDI	Project Manager to be engaged by September 2010. Scope and design work, including recommendations of an operating model to be completed by January 2011.
		5.4 Deliver a Community Training Centre that provides required space and resources to undertake a fuller range of pre-employment and vocational training in the community.	FaHCSIA MSC	DEEWR DEEDI DET	Project Manager to be engaged by September 2010. Scope and design work to be completed by January 2011.
		5.5 Extend the Barge landing in order to receive goods in all weather situations.	FaHCSIA MSC		Barge extension to be completed by June 2011.

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5.7 Governance & Leadership – Karrwa bulejbule, Juldajulda dangkaa

Mornington Island representation of Governance & Leadership building block

Karrwa bulejbule – lead strongly (Lardil)

Juldajulda dangkaa – strong person (Kaiadilt)

This is represented by two traditional symbols: the Dingo and the Rainbow Serpent.

The Rainbow Serpent story in Mornington Island dreamtime is that the Serpent went into the sea here. He remains there and holds the law for the sea county. He therefore rules the sea and symbolises strength from the sea.

Strength from the land on the other hand comes from the dingo, represented by its footprint, who holds the law of the land. The Dingo Dreaming story symbolises strength in leadership and many versions have been told by our fathers, grandfathers and tribal elders. The following is as told by Nelson Gavenor.

It was said that the dingo travelled from the inland out in the desert around Uluru. The dingo travelled in groups, both men and women hunting and gathering food and living off the land.

One day a pretty young woman walked into the camp of the dingo totem people. All the young men went crazy over her, and she chanted love songs at night to charm the man she wanted. Finally she did charm a young brave tribal warrior as her husband and decided to come north-east.

When they reached Bailey Point they crossed the channel on to Forsyth Island. She had her children on Forsyth and moved on while the young dingo totem people – mainly men – were left far behind. From Bailey Point they travelled north to Gununa and lived here for a very long time.

Back at Bailey Point and at night you will still hear the young male dingo crying for the young lady. Some part of this story is sacred and you cannot be told all the story.

Targets, outcomes, outputs and action plan for Governance & Leadership Building Block
COAG Targets	Indigenous Specific Governance & Leadership Outcomes
Close the life expectancy gap within a generation Halve the gap in mortality rates for Indigenous children under five within a decade Ensure all Indigenous four year olds in remote communities have access to early childhood education within five years Halve the gap for Indigenous students in reading, writing and numeracy within a decade At least halve the gap for Indigenous students in Year 12 attainment or equivalent attainment rates by 2020 Halve the gap in employment outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians within a decade	Indigenous communities are empowered to participate in policy making and program implementation Indigenous communities are represented through credible consultation/governance mechanism Connecting the way government agencies work in remote areas (the governance of governments) and developing community capacity NB The Governance & Leadership building block under the Remote Service Delivery Strategy is recognized in it’s significance as an enabling plank that sets the basic foundation for achievement against all of the other building blocks.

ACTION PLAN: Karrwa bulejbule – Juldajulda dangkaa – Governance & Leadership
Mornington Island Outcome: Mornington Island people are empowered to participate and be leaders in matters that effect their lives and the livelihood of their community.
Agreed Goals / Rationales for Action	Strategies	Action	Responsible Agencies		Progress Reporting / Key Milestones Year 1
Agreed Goals / Rationales for Action	Strategies	Action	Lead	Other	Progress Reporting / Key Milestones Year 1
Local elders provide the cultural awareness and mentoring to people visiting and living in our community. Deliver an ongoing system of respectful and honest communication between community and governments that acknowledges the need for all of us to take on and meet our responsibilities and accountabilities so we achieve positive and good outcomes for Mornington Island.Strengthen community relationships and Leadership capacity. Build a cohesive, responsive and proactive service system Grow the capacity of local Indigenous providers We have a strong, reliable and sustainable local government that is accountable and engaged with community, and complies with the requirements of the Local Government Act 2009 Develop a comprehensive system of communication.	Develop and deliver a localised cultural awareness and mentoring program.	1.1 Deliver a local program of cultural awareness and provide mentoring support for outside visitors and those relocating to our community.	FaHCSIA MSC DoC DEWHA	All other agencies	Cultural Awareness program developed by December 2010 ready for uptake by new providers and government staff commencing in 2011.
		1.2 All government agencies will require their staff who are locally based or regular visitors, to undertake the local cultural awareness program.	FaHCSIA MSC DoC DEWHA	All other agencies	Policy introduced by Government agencies and their funded service providers requiring staff visiting and living on Mornington Island to undertake this training, which will be in place by December 2010.
	Provide structures and mechanisms for community members to contribute to actions and decisions that effect their lives.	2.1 Establish a number of LIP Building Block Working Groups who have a clear and legitimate role in informing, finding solutions, monitoring and evaluating the actions of stakeholders in delivering on commitments and their impact. Working Groups will be: Early Childhood and Schooling Economic Participation Health Safer Communities Healthy Homes Governance and Leadership	FaHCSIA MSC DoC	All other agencies	All Building Block Working Groups to be established by October 2010. Monthly meetings of Building Block Working Groups held up until April 2011.
		2.2 LIP Building Block Working Groups come together for a bi-annual reflection to discuss progress, check cross linkages between Building Blocks and reconfirm LIP implementation priorities and direction.	FaHCSIA MSC DoC	All other agencies	Bi-annual reflection Summit held in December 2010.
		2.3 Develop and deliver an Evaluation and Research Program for community members to participate in LIP implementation and monitoring.	FaHCSIA MSC DoC	All other agencies	Theory of Change (Logic Model) for each Building Block Working Group established by December 2010.
	Develop tailored programs that target leadership development for Men, Women and Young People.	3.1 Through the establishment of Men’s, Women’s and Youth Leadership Groups, identify development opportunities that strengthen individual, family and community relationships and leadership confidence.	FaHCSIA MSC DoC	All other agencies	A comprehensive local leaderrship program based on positive relationships and leadership development will be established for Men, Women and Youth by December 2010.
		3.2 Conduct tailored leadership programs on country that focus on cultural preservation and relationships for men and their sons and women and their daughters.	FaHCSIA MSC DoC DEWHA	All other agencies	Increase in number of tailored leadership programs on country since signing of the LIP.
		3.3 Establish leadership support and mentoring networks within and external to the community.	FaHCSIA MSC DoC	All other agencies	Parameters and opportunities for leadership support and mentoring networks scoped by November 2010.
	Re-organise existing service system to be more coordinated and integrated and require any new services enter via this approach.	4.1 A local service provider network to be established to ensure information sharing and joined up effort.	FaHCSIA MSC DoC	All other agencies	Local service provider network established by September 2010.
		4.2 Service delivery and funding agencies to adhere to the principles set by COAG in relation to the Remote Service Delivery NPA.	FaHCSIA DoC	All other agencies	Monthly meetings of ROC Regional Leadership Group held with the principles of RSD as a key focus.
		4.3 Service providers will model good and effective practices that reduce the burden on clients to navigate the complex suite of services.	FaHCSIA MSC DoC	All other agencies	Local service provider network to develop Principles of Practice charter by December 2010.
		4.4 A system of case coordination and case management will be established where needed.	FaHCSIA DoC	Q Health DoHA DET DEEWR	Principles and practice for implementation of case coordination and case management scoped out and agreed with the local service providers network by January 2011
	Provide the necessary support and development for local Indigenous providers to enable a growth in their capacity to deliver quality services within an accountability framework.	5.1 ORIC and other Regulatory bodies provide governance training to their organisations.	ORIC		Organisational governance training delivered for Mornington Island by May 2011.
		5.2 External service organisations delivering on, or to Mornington Island, are to commit to providing capacity building support to local Indigenous organisations and individuals.	FaHCSIA MSC DoC	All other agencies	Government agencies to identify appropriate mechanisms to require this of service providers through contractual or other arrangements, by December 2010.
	Our Councillors show strong and positive leadership. The Council delivers its services in a timely, accountable, ethical and transparent manner.	6.1Council and staff undertake necessary training to ensure an understanding of and compliance with the Local Government Act 2009.	DIP MSC	FaHCSIA DoC	Councillors and staff to attend all Local Government scheduled training. Local Government training development plan schedule agreed between MSC and DIP by October 2010. Improved audit results from Queensland Audit Office for 2010.
		6.2 Conduct an education campaign in the community about the role of the Council and also promote running for office.	DIP	MSC	Civic education campaign developed by January 2011.
	Design a communication strategy that ensures consistent and accurate information is shared in the community and beyond.	7.1 Produce a monthly newsletter	FaHCSIA MSC DoC	All other agencies	Monthly newsletter commenced by September 2010.
		7.2 Use the community radio to deliver messages and information	FaHCSIA MSC DoC	All other agencies	Regular radio segment established for ROC staff to deliver local messages.
		7.3 Use forums such as Working Groups and Negotiation Tables to share and receive information.	FaHCSIA MSC DoC	All other agencies	Working Groups and Negotiation Tables held as required.

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ATTACHMENT A

National Principles for investments in remote locations:

remote Indigenous communities and remote communities with significant Indigenous populations are entitled to standards of services and infrastructure broadly comparable with that in non-Indigenous communities of similar size, location and need elsewhere in Australia
investment decisions should aim to:
- improve participation in education/training and the market economy on a sustainable basis; and
- reduce dependence on welfare wherever possible; and
- promote personal responsibility; and
- ensure consistent engagement and behaviour with positive social norms.
Priority for enhanced infrastructure support and service provision should be to larger and more economically sustainable communities where secure land tenure exists, allowing for outreach services and accessibility by smaller surrounding communities, including:
- recognising Indigenous people’s cultural connections to homelands (whether on a visiting or permanent basis) but avoiding expectations of major investment in service provision where there are few economic or educational opportunities; and
- facilitating voluntary mobility by individuals and families to areas where better education and job opportunities exist, with higher standards of services.

Principles taken into account in deciding sequencing:

areas where government has already applied significant reform effort that can be readily built upon (see below):
- that is, locations where communities have demonstrated a willingness to actively participate in the change process, supported by strong leadership;
preparedness to participate in steps to rebuild social norms – for example, welfare reform and alcohol management;
labour market opportunities and potential for corporate investment / partnerships and business development;
capacity to be developed and utilised as a service hub (including transport) with linkages to smaller communities / homelands; and
capacity of service supply needs to be met – including consideration of capacity of existing local service providers and capacity of the location to support incoming services (for example, availability of built facilities and staff housing for staff).

Service delivery principles for programs and services for Indigenous Australians:

These principles are to guide COAG in the:

design and delivery of Indigenous specific and mainstream government programs and services provided to Indigenous people; and
development and negotiation of National Partnership agreements, National Agreements and reform proposals.

Principles

Priority principle: Programs and services should contribute to Closing the Gap by meeting the targets endorsed by COAG while being appropriate to local community needs.

Indigenous engagement principle: Engagement with Indigenous men, women and children and communities should be central to the design and delivery of programs and services.

Sustainability principle: Programs and services should be directed and resourced over an adequate period of time to meet the COAG targets.

Access Principle: Programs and services should be physically and culturally accessible to Indigenous people recognising the diversity of urban, regional and remote needs.

Integration principle: There should be collaboration between and within Governments at all levels and their agencies to effectively coordinate programs and services.

Accountability principle: Programs and services should have regular and transparent performance monitoring, review and evaluation.

Principles in Detail

Priority principle: Programs and services should contribute to Closing the Gap by meeting the targets endorsed by COAG while being appropriate to local community needs. The COAG targets are:

close the 17 year life expectancy gap within a generation;
halve the gap in mortality rates for children under five within a decade;
halve the gap in reading, writing and numeracy within a decade;
halve the gap in employment outcomes and opportunities within a decade;
at least halve the gap for Indigenous students in Year 12 or equivalent attainment rates by 2020; and
within five years provide access to a quality early childhood education program to all Indigenous four year olds in remote Indigenous communities.

Indigenous engagement principle: Engagement with Indigenous men, women and children and communities should be central to the design and delivery of programs and services. In particular, attention is to be given to:

recognising that strong relationships/partnerships between government, community and service providers increase the capacity to achieve identified outcomes and work towards building these relationships;
engaging and empowering Indigenous people who use Government services, and the broader Indigenous community in the design and delivery of programs and services as appropriate;
recognising local circumstances;
ensuring Indigenous representation is appropriate, having regard to local representation as required;
being transparent regarding the role and level of Indigenous engagement along a continuum from information sharing to decision-making; and
recognising Indigenous culture, language and identity.

Sustainability principle: Programs and services should be directed and resourced over an adequate period of time to meet the COAG targets. In particular, attention is to be given to:

service system orientation, particularly:
- using evidence to develop and redesign programs, services and set priorities;
- recognising the importance of early intervention; and
- including strategies that increase independence, empowerment and self management;
ensuring adequate and appropriate resources, particularly:
- setting time-frames for meeting short, medium and longer-term targets and outcomes;
- considering flexibility in program design to meet local needs;
- considering workforce supply and future planning;
- considering sustaining or redesigning services to best use existing resources, as well as the need for programs and services to meet the COAG targets;
- minimising administrative red tape to enable greater integration of program and service delivery;
- ensuring that programs and services are efficient and fiscally sustainable; and
- ensuring that infrastructure is appropriate and adequately maintained;
building the capacity of both Indigenous people and of services to meet the needs of Indigenous people, particularly:
- developing the skills, knowledge and competencies, including independence and empowerment of Indigenous people, communities and organisations;
- supporting Indigenous communities to harness the engagement of corporate, non-government and philanthropic sectors;
- building governments’ and service delivery organisations’ capacity to develop and implement policies, procedures, and protocols that recognise Indigenous people’s culture, needs and aspirations;
- ensuring that programs and services foster and do not erode capacity or capability of clients; and
- recognising when Indigenous delivery is an important contributor to outcomes (direct and indirect), and in those instances fostering opportunities for Indigenous service delivery.

Access Principle: Programs and services should be physically and culturally accessible to Indigenous people recognising the diversity of urban, regional and remote needs. In particular, attention is to be given to:

considering appropriate and adequate infrastructure and placement of services (including transport, IT, telecommunications and use of interpreter services);
minimising administrative red tape that may be a barrier to access; and
providing adequate information regarding available programs and services.

Integration principle: There should be collaboration between and within Governments at all levels, their agencies and funded service providers to effectively coordinate programs and services. In particular, attention is to be given to:

articulating responsibilities between all levels of government;
identifying and addressing gaps and overlaps in the continuum of service delivery;
ensuring services and programs are provided in an integrated and collaborative manner both between all levels of governments and between services;
ensuring services and programs do not set incentives that negatively affect outcomes of other programs and services; and
recognising that a centrally agreed strategic focus should not inhibit service delivery responses that are sensitive to local contexts.

Accountability principle: Programs and services should have regular and transparent performance monitoring, review and evaluation. In particular, attention is to be given to:

choosing performance measures based on contribution to the COAG targets and report them publicly;
ensuring mainstream service delivery agencies have strategies in place to achieve Indigenous outcomes and meet Indigenous needs;
clearly articulating the service level to be delivered;
ensuring accountability of organisations for the government funds that they administer on behalf of Indigenous people;
periodically measuring/reviewing to assess the contribution of programs and services to the above, and adapting programs and services as appropriate;
clearly defining and agreeing responsibilities of government and communities;
supporting the capacity of the Indigenous service sector and communities to play a role in delivering services and influencing service delivery systems/organisations to ensure their responsiveness, access and appropriateness to Indigenous people; and
evaluating programs and services from multiple perspectives including from the client, Indigenous communities and government perspectives and incorporating lessons into future program and services design.

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ATTACHMENT B: Abbreviations & Acronyms

ADBT: Aboriginal Development Benefits Trust
AGD: Attorney General’s Department
BOM: Board of Management
COAG: Council of Australian Governments
CDEP: Community Development Employment Projects
CGRIS: Co-ordinator General Remote Indigenous Services
DASC: Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council
DEEDI: Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation
DEEWR: Department of Employment, Education and Workplace Relations
DERM: Department of Environment and Resource Management
DET: Department of Education and Training
DEWHA: Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
DIP: Department of Infrastructure and Planning
DoC: Department of Communities
DoHA: Department of Health and Ageing
DPW: Department of Public Works
DSS: Doomadgee State School
FaHCSIA: Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
GECO: Government Engagement and Coordination Officer
IEO: Indigenous Engagement Officer
JAG: Department of Justice & Attorney General
LIP: Local Implementation Plan
NP: National Partnership
NPA: National Partnership Agreement
ORIC: Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations
PaCE: Parental and Community Engagement
PHaMs: Personal Helpers and Mentors
QHealth: Queensland Health
QPS: Queensland Police Service
RILIPO: Remote Indigenous Land and Infrastructure Program Office
RLG: Regional Leadership Group
ROC: Regional Operations Centre
RSD: Remote Service Delivery
VET: Vocational Education and Training

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