Building Opportunity: Rachell’s two-decade journey with CYE

From a one-room operation to a workforce supporting Cape York jobseekers

For more than a decade, Rachell Jose has been one of the driving forces behind Cape York Employment’s growth and grounding in community. As a Project Coordinator, she has seen the organisation grow and witnessed firsthand the difference it has made. 

Rachell, who has cultural connections to both Djungan Country around Burketown, Doomadgee and to Ugar (Stephen Island) in the Torres Strait, first joined CYE in 2014. Back then, it was just her and General Manager Sonia Minniecon in the Cairns CYE office. "I started doing basic Administration, ringing job seekers every day for their attendance," Rachell said. "Now, we have a team of Compliance Officers manning the phones." 

Rachell has witnessed CYE evolve from a small operation to a regional employer with more than 58 staff, encompassing compliance teams, site supervisors, team leaders and a growing Workforce Development team.  

She has also witnessed the expansion of services into new communities, including into Lockhart River in 2019. CYE now covers two community development program regions 60, which comprises Aurukun and Coen, and region 56 which includes Lockhart River. 

Much of her work has focused on the behind-the-scenes logistics that help job seekers find meaningful employment. "From start to now, I have been part of job seekers' employment journeys. From tailoring support, organising training – it’s been great to see Jobseekers transition into employment and being able to support their families." 

One initiative particularly close to her heart is Joint Services, a program that brings government stakeholders together to deliver their services face to face, which Rachell has supported for many years and still does to this day.  

"I've always had an important role in Joint Services. So, watching that grow over the years has been a project that I’ve always be proud of,” she said “With the success of Joint Services, we've built a rapport with Jobseekers, Community Members and Stakeholders alike. It's an essential service that needs to be delivered in communities to help face barriers and challenges in remote areas.” 

Rachell believes CYE’s mission is simple but vital: set a strong foundation for employment in remote Cape York communities. "CYE’s involvement has supported many job seekers from further being disadvantaged,” she said. “Clients on our caseload, we support with all their identification products. We're removing as many barriers as possible, so Jobseekers are employment ready.”  

"The evidence is there. We've done the groundwork. We know the impact we're having." 

In 2024, CYE supported more than 750 jobseekers and supported over 200 community members across five joint services events held in the three communities.

From two staff to a region-wide team, Rachell has helped CYE grow by staying grounded in what matters: people, opportunity and community-driven progress.