Tamara Hunting

The Team Leader Academic Leaders is the advisor to the SSOs and is the student support for the Cairns region. The Team Leader is also assigned to the recruitment process, working closely with the Scholarship Manager in interviewing and testing potential CYLP applicants. With over 10 years’ experience within our Cape York organisations, Tamara is knowledgeable of all of our families and the cultural complexities across our various communities. This allows for her to select suitable schools for our students, ensuring that students have the best possible educational experience, with the right supports in place at the matched partner schools. Providing cultural context has been a key element in building awareness and relationships with our partner schools. Tamara has often organised Community Workshops with the help of OHubs, parents and stakeholders. These occasions allow an opportunity for school leadership representatives to visit communities and walk on country. The main purpose is to form connections with families in community, to gain important insights and greater appreciation of where their students come from as well as the importance of understanding the challenges students face as they learn to work between two worlds. These community touchpoints are a valuable aspect. of the CYLP partnership with the schools and has been an investment that has resulted in stronger relationships and higher retention rates amongst CYLP. students across our regions.

Connection to Country: Guugu Yimithirr Warra Nation, Dharrba Clan Hope Vale/Fraser Island/Yarrabah.