Aerial photograph of Coen showing hills in the background and houses in the foreground.

Empowering the Coen community through innovative economic and social initiatives, fostering a proud and resilient future for all.

Our vision

The Coen Regional Aboriginal Corporation aims to be a benchmark sub-regional organisation driving economic and social development for the indigenous people of Coen and supports a happy, healthy and proud indigenous community.

Our goals

The Coen Regional Aboriginal Corporation will implement a range of social and community development initiatives that focus on local leadership and enabling resilience.

1

About us

We are driving economic growth
and social well-being through:

business development,
property management,
locally tailored social services.

Aerial photograph of Coen showing hills in the background and houses in the foreground.

Our service

Coen Regional Aboriginal Corporation is a successful sub-regional organisation that operates commercial businesses, provides fee-for-service contract and financial administration, has community/participatory planning capacity and implements social and community development programs for the benefit of Coen people.

Business

Business & Economic development initiatives will underpin a strong financial position and deliver employment opportunities for the local indigenous people as well as improved quality of lifestyle for families.

Property

As a growing property owner within Coen, CRAC will maintain its property management portfolio and high rate of property tenancy. CRAC will develop additional businesses in the accommodation sectors to grow its business arm and create additional employment for local people.

Social services

An experienced local team will implement locally developed social services and community development initiatives that offer personal and family support. CRAC will continue with a wide range of women’s support initiatives and continue working with men to frame support initiatives for them, a comprehensive justice program for Coen that places the Justice Committee the Elders group and the Coen Justice Program team central to the ongoing engagement with the community as a means to resolve conflict and dispute; and an Arts Centre with activities that link all cohorts of the community in the production of art.

Financial Forecast

Since its re-organisation in 2013, CRAC has maintained consistent growth and financial stability through strong business fundamentals and effective financial management.

2

Governance & Management

We are a dedicated board of directors, ensuring robust oversight and strategic guidance for our community-focused initiatives and operations.

Our team

CRAC’s staff of thirteen, all local Coen people, includes a senior management team of two: a CEO with twenty-five years of experience in leadership roles within Indigenous organisations and a General Manager with a strong local background and six years of managerial experience.

Our heirarchy

The CEO oversees all commercial and financial activities, manages relationships with third parties and the government, and ensures compliance with all regulations, with significant duties delegated to the General Manager. This commitment to local employment and development has led to high staff retention, with all current positions filled by trained and qualified local personnel.

We are the largest Aboriginal Corporation in the Coen area with 150 members, governed by a seven-member Board elected annually, which oversees strategic direction and works in compliance with the CATSI Act.

3

Commercial Business

We enhance Coen’s Local Economy with Strategic Property Management and Development Initiatives

Our commerical methods

CRAC owns and manages a diverse portfolio of properties in Coen, leasing them to various organizations and government departments, with all property-related expenses such as rates, insurance, and maintenance handled internally.

Our agreements

CRAC currently has commercial tenancy arrangements with:
Department of Housing and Public Works
Family Responsibiities Commission
Oyola Thumotang Land Trust
Apunipima Cape York Health Council

Commercial Offices

CRAC has consistently achieved over 90% leasing occupancy for six years, successfully managing properties and tenancies, thereby solidifying its financial base for future business development strategies.

In development

CRAC is actively developing a supermarket and fuel station in Coen, collaborating with Island & Cape Retail Services and Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation to meet the community’s growing needs.

Government and health

CRAC maintains robust commercial tenancy arrangements with key governmental and health organisations, manages a variety of residential properties, and operates a Centrelink sub-agency.

4

Community Development

Our strong leadership and experienced management excels in creating community development programs specifically designed to meet the unique needs of Coen.

Our community development methods

CRAC’s enhanced management capabilities have enabled the tailored development and successful implementation of community-focused programs and initiatives, including the Coen Women’s Support Centre and Coen Justice Program, reflecting the specific needs and priorities of the Coen community.

Our agreements

CRAC in the 2024/2025 year has grant funding for the implementation of:
Coen Justice Program operations
Coen’s Women’s Shelter operations
Local Thriving Communities operations
Queensland Mental Health Commission
–Local Counsellor program

In Progress

The Coen Centre for Creative Arts, is progressing through phases of development, with land acquisition and initial funding secured, and construction plans underway to establish a vibrant arts hub for the Coen community.

In development

CRAC is enhancing Coen’s community spaces through a beautification initiative, bringing together local teams to develop parks, bike tracks, community gardens, and a revitalized lagoon, fostering pride and connection among residents.

Local government

CRAC is supporting a Local Leadership Group for Coen who will be an interface between Coen and the Queensland Government, reflecting local issues.

5

Strategies & Actions

CRAC is committed to strengthening community engagement and economic stability in Coen, ensuring a sustainable and culturally enriched future.

Property

CRAC is dedicated to sustaining high commercial property occupancy by fostering strong tenant relationships, maintaining property conditions, and adhering to governmental regulations.

Social services

CRAC commits to upholding ongoing funding agreements for vital social services by ensuring regulatory compliance, staff qualifications, timely implementation of plans, and fulfillment of reporting requirements.

Community Development

CRAC is developing a new initiative through Arts Queensland for multi-year funding to deliver a suite of activities through a Coen Arts Centre between 2024 and 2026.

From July 2024, CRAC will begin a culturally enriching arts program in Coen to enhance local skills development and community engagement.

By June 2026, CRAC aims to engage at least forty local participants in the arts program and host three separate exhibitions showcasing Coen’s artistic works.

Throughout the program duration, CRAC will identify and support the career development of at least three local artists, ensuring their professional growth within the arts community.