Following on the success of last year’s Mayors and CEO’s conference held in Sydney, this year’s two-day Conference was held in Cairns on 31 October and 1 November.
The purpose of the Conference was to provide a platform for open dialogue to address issues and explore opportunities to address the economic imbalance and hardship experienced in remote communities.
Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon. Ken Wyatt delivered the Keynote address stretching the importance of building sustainable economies in Remote Australia, and his commitment to engage, listen and consult.
He stated that mayors and CEO’s spend their days with a finger on the pulse of local issues, local concerns, and local opportunities, and he would therefore “want to harness your knowledge and understanding and have you inform this process of co-design.”
He said that ensuring that programmes are working on the ground is essential, and that it is therefore important that the delivery of CDP is shaped by each local community.
“The partnerships between RISE Ventures and local aboriginal organisations is another way to ensure the local community contribute to the delivery of the program.” – the Hon. Ken Wyatt
The two-day Conference marks the continued dialogue around improved collaboration within remote communities to support Indigenous Australians towards greater economic empowerment and opportunity. The Conference is an initiative from RISE Ventures, part of the Angus Knight Group of companies, and was attended by Mayors and CEO’s of regional and remote councils and senior staff from Prime Minister and Cabinet across Australia.
