At the request of the Australian Government, the Cape York Institute for Policy and Leadership (CYIPL) hosted a delegation from Vanuatu’s Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs, recognising Cape York’s national leadership in family empowerment, governance reform and co-designed community development. The exchange created a respectful space for shared learning – rekindling ancestral connections across the Pacific and advancing self-determination and sustainable development.
In August, a Cape York delegation travelled to Port Vila to meet with the Australian High Commission and key Vanuatu organisations including the Vanuatu Association of NGOs, Regenerative Vanua, the Vanuatu Women’s Centre, and Youth Challenge Vanuatu. The delegation also visited schools across Efate and Santo to learn about Vanuatu’s education system and explore collaboration opportunities through the Direct Instruction methodology used in Cape York. A meeting with the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs’ at their main Nakamal on Efate laid the groundwork for the Chiefs’ reciprocal study tour to Cape York in September.
The visit fostered constructive dialogue between Vanuatu and Cape York leaders, strengthening Indigenous-to-Indigenous ties and advancing shared priorities in governance, leadership, education, culture, family empowerment and economic development.
“We wanted to understand the context from which the Chiefs would be coming, so it was important for us to first travel to Vanuatu – to listen and learn from those working on the ground,” said CYIPL CEO Kirsty Davis. “The Vanuatu experience gave the delegation a deeper appreciation of the pivotal role of kastom, the resilience of youth and women, and the opportunities for partnership across the regions.”
“This exchange marks the beginning of a relationship built on mutual learning and cultural strength. We came together with purpose and we’ll carry that purpose forward in the work we do every day.”CYIPL CEO Kirsty Davis
Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in leading policy and reform, CYIPL facilitated discussions with Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs during their reciprocal visit to Gimuy (Cairns) and Cape York in September. These discussions explored shared priorities including health, education, language, family responsibility, food security and economic empowerment.
The Chiefs experienced the region’s rich cultures, and listened firsthand to challenges and solutions designed by Traditional Owners across the Peninsula. Engagements included meetings with church and community leaders, cultural immersions such as the Dreamtime Walk at Mossman Gorge, participating in Direct Instruction learnings at Hope Vale School, understanding the role of the Family Responsibilities Commission, exploring empowerment initiatives through Pama Platform and meeting local entrepreneurs such as Bernie Hart of Mula Honey.
Mrs Davis said hosting the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs was a powerful statement of intent, grounded in unity, mutual learning, and a shared commitment to forging new pathways across the Pacific.
“There was a deep sense of recognition throughout the trip – the parallel histories, shared challenges, and most importantly, a shared vision for the future,” she said. “We might come from different lands, but the spirit of leadership and responsibility we carry is the same.”
The exchange reaffirmed CYIPL’s mission and belief in the power of culturally grounded leadership to give the next generation healthy minds, bodies and spirits – strengthening ties between Cape York and Vanuatu for years to come.
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