Opportunity Products
O-HUB
Overview
Below are descriptions of the Opportunity Products currently available through the O-Hubs. All have been designed to build the capabilities of individuals and families. And all have been co-designed by the Indigenous communities they support.
$0M+
contributed over the life of SET$0K+
contributed over the life of Homelands0
current MPower members
The Opportunity
The education of our children is the key to a prosperous future for the entire region. By empowering the people of Cape York to save for their child’s education, we can radically improve the life prospects of Indigenous children and their families for generations to come.
The Product
Designed for a child of any age, a fee-free SET account accepts scheduled fortnightly contributions from parents and other carers. The funds saved can then be accessed to pay for the child’s educational needs, including school fees, shoes, uniforms, books and sporting goods.
A SET account empowers parents to prioritise their child’s education and ensures there are funds on-hand when needed. With their educational needs covered, children are better prepared to attend and participate at school – two key contributors to better educational outcomes. It’s about setting the child up for success and providing an opportunity for them to reach their potential.
The Outcome
As of December 2020, more than $3.7M has been contributed to SET accounts for the sole purpose of educational purchases in Aurukun, Coen, Hope Vale and Mossman Gorge. This success has led to SET being offered in Cooktown, Lockhart River, Wujal Wujal and Djarragun College with outreach support provided by existing O-Hubs.
The Opportunity
Due to low socio-economic status, remote locations and a culturally different approach to finance, the majority of First Nations people in Cape York do not have financial security. With the appropriate advice, support and education they can gain the financial literacy and confidence needed to participate in the modern Australian economy.
The Product
MPower’s qualified financial consultants empower individuals and families of Cape York to improve their financial literacy and money management by:
- Equipping members with knowledge and skills around budgeting, debt reduction, banking, wealth creation and bill payments.
- Providing advice and advocacy around smart purchasing options as well as terms and conditions of purchase.
- Providing access to internet and phone banking facilities, independently or with support from staff.
- Facilitating regular financial coaching and planning sessions
All MPower services are provided free-of-charge to all O-Hub partners.
The Outcome
MPower currently has more than 150 members throughout the Cape York Welfare Reform communities of Aurukun, Coen, Hope Vale and Mossman Gorge. These members are consistently visiting their local O-Hub to use the self-service kiosks and to gain advice and support from MPower consultants. Each visit is building the financial skills and confidence that are fundamental to their financial wellbeing.
The Opportunity
After many years, Traditional Owners are getting their lands back. With the opportunity for home ownership and land development comes the responsibility to cover their associated costs. Several families approached Cape York Partnership requesting assistance in creating a formal structure and agreement around collectively saving for the costs of owning land.
The Product
Through a co-design process with Cape York family groups, Homelands was developed.
Homelands is a free O-Hub product where family members save money to cover the development and ongoing costs related to their lands, including bills, rates, land surveys and building expenses.
All members make regular money contributions to a Homelands account, which can only be used on used for items stated in their Family Agreement.
It’s an opportunity for families to work together to make sure money is set aside for when it’s needed.
The Outcome
Homelands currently provides structured support to families in Coen, Hope Vale and Wujal Wujal to manage the ongoing and development costs related to their lands. To date, more than $75,000 has been contributed to make families land more secure and get ahead on their land expenses.
Homelands is being progressively expanded to more Cape York communities.
The Opportunity
With many financial and community services migrating to online platforms, it is vital that Australians in remote communities with lower digital literacy are not left behind. Pama Platform provides an opportunity for our First Nations peoples to participate and thrive in the digital age.
The Product
The Pama Platform is a web-based app – co-designed by Cape York communities – that helps users take control of their money and day-to-day life. Pama brings together existing O-Hub Opportunity Products and services and streamlines them into one user-friendly online application.
Users can access their Opportunity Accounts, build a resume, save important documents, search job vacancies, order their Mayi Market deliveries and see what’s happening in their community. By completing tasks within the app, users can also earn points toward gift cards and other rewards.
Supported by O-Hub staff when necessary, Pama Platform is empowering the people of Cape York to control their own financial futures and increase their digital literacy.
The Outcome
Launched in mid-2021, more than 700 people in Aurukun, Coen, Hope Vale, Mossman Gorge and other Cape York communities are actively using Pama Platform to keep track of their day-to-day lives. Pama will be rolled out to more Cape York communities, along with the addition of new features and partnerships.
