For Shakarnie Creek and Shahara Spratt, starting a new job means more than going to work each day. It is an opportunity to learn, build confidence and contribute to their community, while remaining close to family, culture and country.
The two young women from Coen, both alumni of the Cape York Leadership Program, have recently taken up local roles through the Remote Jobs and Economic Development (RJED) programme, supported by Cape York Employment and the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA). Their journeys demonstrate how local employment can transform lives and strengthen community ties.
Shakarnie, a Southern Kaantju, Kuuku Ya'u and Ayapathu woman, began as Administration Assistant Team Leader at the Coen O-Hub in June.
She is looking forward to developing her skills while helping local families work towards their goals.
"I'm excited about the opportunity to be in this role," Shakarnie said. "I look forward to helping families save for their goals, supporting them in achieving positive outcomes, and building strong connections with the community."
For Shakarnie, being new to the role is also an opportunity to learn and grow. As a Cape York Leadership Program alumna, she is continuing to build on her development by strengthening her leadership and communication skills and deepening her understanding of how she can best support local families, while inspiring others to pursue their own development.
She says listening is an important part of how she approaches her work.
"I bring a positive attitude to my work, patience and a willingness to learn," Shakarnie said.
"I may be quiet at first, but I take the time to listen, understand people and build positive relationships. I'm supportive and committed to doing my best to help families and the community."
Just down the road, Shahara is starting a new chapter of her own.
Shahara, from the Lama Lama and Gudjal people, with ties to Coen and Charters Towers, began working as a Retail Assistant at Mayi Market in July.
For Shahara, the job is an opportunity to develop new skills while doing something she enjoys: helping people.
"I am excited to have this job because I am looking to learn new skills," she said.
Her days include helping customers with their purchases and orders and lending a hand by carrying groceries to their vehicles.
"I just like helping customers with their purchases and with Mayi Market foods," Shahara said.
She brings experience in hospitality and working with children, as well as a strong sense of teamwork. Most importantly, she wants people in Coen to know that she and the Mayi Market team are there for their community.
"I want to make things work for the whole community and show that we are here for them," she said.
Shakarnie and Shahara's new roles have been supported by the Remote Jobs and Economic Development programme.
RJED is designed to create real jobs and economic opportunities in remote communities. Through Cape York Employment, the programme helps connect local people with local employment, supporting them to develop skills, gain experience and build pathways to sustainable employment.
For Shakarnie and Shahara, their progression from the Cape York Leadership Program into local employment also reflects the importance of creating pathways for young Cape York people to continue building their skills, confidence and capabilities close to home.
That matters in communities like Coen, where the opportunity to work locally can mean building a career without having to leave behind the people, places and connections that matter to you.
It also reflects a broader ambition for Cape York. Through the Pama Futures Agenda, Cape York people have set a course towards greater empowerment, stronger local economies, and communities where people have the capabilities and opportunities to choose lives they have reason to value.
For Shakarnie and Shahara, that bigger picture begins with something practical: a job, an opportunity to learn, and a chance to contribute to their home community.
"I'm grateful for this opportunity and excited to join the team," Shakarnie said. "I'm ready to do my best and contribute wherever I can."
FOR THE LOVE OF OUR CHILDREN
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