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Our Programs

Walking alongside community.

Each program is a different doorway into the same journey: reaching people, teaching through culture and faith, releasing them into purpose.

Cairns Indigenous Youth Empowerment Program (CIYEP)

Cairns Indigenous Youth Empowerment Program (CIYEP)

CIYEP supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in Cairns through one-on-one mentoring, cultural connection, leadership development, life skills and positive community engagement. We walk alongside young people as they discover identity, purpose and the seed of destiny within.

Outcomes

  • Stronger cultural identity and belonging
  • Improved school engagement and attendance
  • Increased leadership and confidence
  • Positive peer relationships and mentors
Enquire about Cairns

Meet the CIYEP Team

The people walking alongside our young people.

Our CIYEP team brings lived experience, cultural strength and deep care to every young person and family we work with.

Edward Lampton

Program Manager

Edward has led CIYEP for over ten years, bringing more than two decades of experience across government and community sectors. He previously spent a decade with the Department of Human Services, travelling to remote communities to support service delivery — work that shaped his people-first leadership approach. Known for his integrity, strong work ethic and practical problem-solving, Edward pioneered new approaches to client engagement, including establishing regular visits to CYDC. He leads by listening, putting people first, and making decisions grounded in long-term integrity. Above all, he hopes people remember him simply as a good man.

Peta Kumar

Youth Engagement Worker

Peta walks alongside young people in CIYEP day to day — building trust, mentoring, and creating safe spaces for cultural connection, learning and growth.

Nicole Lampton

Youth Engagement Worker

Nicole supports young people and families through CIYEP mentoring, cultural activities and community events, with a focus on identity, belonging and leadership.

Scott Joinbee

Youth Engagement Worker

Scott brings energy and care to CIYEP, supporting young people through mentoring, sport, and on-Country activities that build resilience and connection.

Sports and Recreation Program

Sports and Recreation Program

Our Sports and Recreation Program provides safe and active opportunities for young people and families to grow in resilience, teamwork, confidence and overall wellbeing. From football carnivals to fitness sessions, we use sport as a vehicle for connection.

Outcomes

  • Improved physical and mental wellbeing
  • Teamwork and discipline
  • Healthy lifestyle habits
  • New friendships and community connection
Enquire about Sports

Miriki Performing Arts

Miriki Performing Arts is a company of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dancers based in Cairns and the surrounding regions. Aged between 11 and 20, the dancers learn alongside mentors like Artistic Director Pauline Lampton (Elder), sharing their passion to express Indigenous heritage and history through original choreography rooted in true stories passed down from elders of the Yidinji, Wiradjuri, Bundjalung, Arukubindi, Giddamay and Tafea Province nations.

Outcomes

  • Pride in cultural identity and language
  • Original choreography rooted in elders' stories
  • Performance opportunities on national stages
  • Intergenerational knowledge sharing
Enquire about MirikiVisit Miriki site

Refer a young person or family.

Staff and partner workers can submit a referral directly through our secure case management portal. For general enquiries, use the contact form.

Make a referralGeneral enquiry