Coen
Regional Aboriginal Corporation (CRAC) funded community
projects
incude:
Housing. The State began to
construct dwellings
in 1975, enabling Indigenous poeple to slowly move away from the
Reserve and into Town. But with a growing and mobile population, and an
extended family lifestyle, there is still overcrowding. CRAC
has been active in trying to correct this through ATSIC-funded programs
using its own Building Team.
Outstation Development and
Services
is a major
part
of CRAC's activities. See Homelands.
Art, Craft and Culture are fostered through the Wunthulpu
Arts Centre
and the
Cultural Centre (Visitor
Centre),
the latter developed with assistance from the National Heritage Trust.
Sports and Recreation is aimed mainly at
children, both in school and after school, employing a local person
part-time. There is
considerable
interest in
both Australian Rules and Rugby football. See also Sports.
Other
Community projects not funded by CRAC are:
Home and Community Care (HACC)is
funded by the Federal and State Governments but auspiced by CRAC. It
caters for elderly and infirm persons needing meals, washing and
bathing, and other household assistance. It employs 3 local women.
Family
Income Management is a
recent initiative (open to voluntary participation) seeking to educate
and encourage families in rational money management, to ensure that
essentials can be paid for, and to set goals for savings. It was
initiated by Cape
York Partnerships and
sponsored by the Commonwealth
Department of Family and Community Services and Westpac Banking
Corporation. It will be an integral part of Welfare Reform
trials in 2008.
Women's Issues and
Indigenous Women's Initiatives
are
related to community ("family") violence and the need for
protection, as well as sexual health. A "Safe House" for women was
established
and there are plans for a "Safe Haven" for women and children. A
Kindergarten Committee and Child and Family Services participate in
these arrangements.
The Community Justice Group (CJG)
is an Incorporated Body, a Child
and Family Support Service, and a recognised Child
Protection Agency (background reading
here). Elders
and leaders of the community advise the
courts on appropriate sentences. Often this results in directions to
live on outstations (see Homelands) as an
alternative to imprisonment. This is funded by the Department of
Justice. CJG
also provides counselling services for persons at
risk. This is funded by the Federal Department of Families and
Communities.
.
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