Cape York Institute for Policy and Leadership’s Skills to Lead 2025 Cairns program recently wrapped up its third and final workshop with a trip to Fitzroy Island and a special award ceremony. What began as a bumpy boat ride under overcast skies turned into a day of clear blue waters and a gentle tropical breeze, much like the journey these young leaders have taken.
Skills to Lead is a practical leadership development series designed to build the confidence, capability and cultural grounding of emerging First Nations leaders.
Across three workshops, participants explore what it means to lead self, lead others and lead change. The program blends cultural knowledge, real-world skills, and personal reflection – empowering participants to take ownership of their leadership journey. Through interactive sessions, community projects and group activities, they strengthen their voice, grow their networks and gain the tools to influence change in their families, communities and workplaces.
A NERVOUS STAR
At the start of Workshop One, the vibe in the room was a mix of nerves and quiet curiosity. Some participants sat in determined silence, unsure of what to expect. Fidget toys and snacks were scattered across the table, small comforts that helped break the ice as everyone settled in.
Program Coordinator Rylee Smith reflected, “At the start of the first workshop, the participants were very quiet but also ready to engage in what was set for the day.”
Workshop One focused on personal leadership, beginning with a visit from Ngak Min Health staff and special guests Azhar Potia and Caitlin Ashby, sleep research facilitators from the University of Sunshine Coast.
This session was all about building self-awareness around wellbeing, starting with something often overlooked: sleep. Participants explored how sleep affects mood, focus and daily decision-making. Through guided research and open discussion, they began to understand how rest and routine are foundational to strong leadership.
“I appreciated the session from Ngak Min Health and the University of Sunshine Coast students,” participant Maros Baker said. “It showed how sleep can actually affect our mood, focus and daily decision-making.”
By the end of Day One, the energy in the room had lifted. The group returned the next day with more confidence, ready to dive deeper into topics like personal reinvention, self-leadership, mindfulness and cultural identity.
Using the metaphor of ‘looking into the mirror’, participants were encouraged to reflect on their strengths and leadership potential. A key moment came during a session with Program Manager Floria King-Smith, who spoke about the purpose of Cape York Partnership and how true empowerment comes from capability and opportunity, not dependency.
“A good message that Aunty Floria said was, ‘Start putting your hands up instead of getting handouts,' participant Jaylen Wikmunea shared. “That really stood out to me. I’ve now been using that saying personally. It means a lot, especially coming from a community in Cape York. That saying goes a long way, it breaks the cycle.”
On the final day of Workshop One, the focus turned inward again with sessions on mindfulness and cultural identity. Participants were introduced to practical ways to manage stress and stay grounded. Using the iceberg model, they reflected on identity, unpacking the deeper values, beliefs and cultural roots that shape who they are as leaders.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
After a short two-week break, the group reunited in Cairns for Workshop Two, this time shifting their gaze toward the future. The focus was on career pathways, professional growth and what leadership looks like beyond community settings.
They began with deep self-reflection, exploring personal strengths, interests and values. Sessions examined how identity and culture intersect with work and leadership. With support from facilitators, participants learned how to read the job market and began crafting their personal brands using values-based messaging and hands-on résumé development.
Through group activities and honest conversations, they explored the power of networking and how storytelling can help build connections with future employers, mentors and collaborators. Practising interview skills helped them find their voice and a discussion on how culture builds confidence sparked powerful reflections on identity in professional spaces.
One of the highlights was a mock interview session facilitated by School to Jobs Manager Karl Adams. Staff from the Cairns Convention Centre stepped in as interviewers, giving participants a chance to apply what they’d learned in a real-world setting and receive direct feedback.
“After the interviews with the Cairns Convention Centre staff, we received some great feedback about the participants,” Karl said. “They did really well, and the advice they were given will help them prepare for the real interviews they’ll face in the future.”
These sessions not only helped build practical skills but also deepened the group’s understanding of how culture and community can drive meaningful leadership.
As part of wrapping up Workshop Two, the group brainstormed how they’d celebrate the end of the program. In pairs, they pitched ideas from fishing trips to visits to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures and Mossman Gorge’s Dreamtime Walk. After a strong pitch from Kaysharn Deemal and Lesshai Vikionkorpi, the group landed on a day at Fitzroy Island.
SIGNING OFF IN STYLE
Workshop Three was all about leading change, exploring the difference between leadership and management and learning how to communicate with influence.
The day began with a session led by Amelia and Melissa from Pama Platform, who shared insights into the products and support available for money management. All participants created their online accounts on the spot, and three signed up that day.
Flori returned to lead a powerful session on governance, explaining the structure of the Australian government and drawing comparisons between Western and First Nations leadership. The discussion highlighted the unique challenges faced by First Nations communities and the importance of culturally grounded leadership.
The group then participated in a hands-on activity where they were paired up and challenged to build the tallest and strongest tower using only sticky tape and newspaper a fun and symbolic test of creativity, teamwork, and resilience.
Before heading out on their on-Country activity, the participants took charge of organising the day shopping for food and water, confirming the itinerary and ensuring everything was ready. It was a proud moment, showing just how far they’d come.
After all their hard work, the trip to Fitzroy Island was a well-earned celebration. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and good company, it was a day to relax, connect and reflect on the journey so far.
The next morning, the group gathered one last time for a special closing ceremony over breakfast. Each participant was presented with their certificate – a moment of pride and recognition for the growth they had achieved. The ceremony marked the end of a program and the beginning of something greater – a generation of young First Nations leaders stepping forward with pride, purpose and the power to shape the future
“Leadership starts with knowing yourself, grows through knowing others and lives through the change you lead together,” Floria said
Her quote captures the journey participants experienced throughout the Skills to Lead program from self-awareness to leading change.
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