Coen Local Commissioners’ report
The Coen campus of CYAAA primary school attendance rates have continued to remain strong, ranging from 87.9 percent in term 3 2014 to 96.5 percent in term 1 2015. We believe this strong performance is a reflection of the ongoing positive relationship between the community, the school and stakeholders. The school has been proactive as well with the school principal, Mr Glen White, and teachers doorknocking the homes of enrolled students to remind parents of the back to school start dates each term.
On the other hand, many of our youth have presented a challenge in terms of meaningful engagement. This challenge has been met through several strategies, one being the Balkanu Working on Country Ranger programs which commenced in August 2009. These programs commenced through a tri-partnering agreement with the Department of the Environment and Heritage Protection and the relevant Traditional Owner groups of:
•	Kalan Ranger Service/Toolka Land Trust
•	Lama Lama Ranger Service/Lama Lama Land Trust and
•	Nyungkal Ranger Service/Bana Yarralji Corporation.
The development of a Lama Lama Junior Ranger Program situated at Port Stewart provides a cultural skills program, a work readiness program, conservation management and work experience for those aged 16 years and older. Children under 16 years of age can participate in a Junior Ranger Program during the school holiday periods.
As Local Commissioners, during conferencing we yarn to parents about their options, always emphasising the need for our children to complete their schooling. We know that the future of our children depends on a good education.
We have faced a new challenge this year - sitting in conference alone without Commissioner Glasgow present. We consider that the opportunity of sitting alone as Local Commissioners is recognition that we have earned some respect, both within the Commission and the community. We have demonstrated that we can show leadership and have done so with empathy and the best interests of the Coen community in mind. Our clients and the community realise that we are here to support them and to encourage them down a path which will be more fulfilling for themselves and their families.
On 14 May 2015 we welcomed to our ranks two new Coen Local Commissioners, Maureen Liddy and Alison Liddy. We are very pleased that they have joined us and look forward to utilising their added local knowledge and community experience in our conferencing.
During this year Sergeant Alan Dewis commenced in the role of Officer in Charge of the Coen Police Station. Sergeant Dewis has spent his initial time with us focussing on forging strong positive connections between the police and community members. We feel that these efforts have created better relationships in our community and we are pleased to encourage and assist him in continuing his engagement.
A new Day Respite Centre opened in Coen and has proven to be a popular hub, particularly for the community’s elderly residents. The Day Respite Centre provides support for carers giving must needed time off, whilst caring for people with dementia and additional behavioural problems. The centre provides the residents with a range of stimulating activities to keep them engaged.
Domestic violence continues to be an issue within the community, particularly when fuelled by alcohol consumption. We talk to clients and offer support to victims and guidance to perpetrators. To provide this support we work alongside service providers to educate the community on the prevention of domestic and family violence. We encourage our community and other services providers such as the Wellbeing Centre, Coen Police, Apunipima and Queensland Health to work together to find a solution to the community’s problems. We see that we are all in it together and must walk this road hand in hand.
At the conclusion of this year we would particularly like to commend those at the Wellbeing Centre who have worked closely with us to provide services to the community. Our relationship has grown since 2008 and we feel that together we are making an impact.

Coen Commissioners Peter Peter, May Kepple, Garry Port and Elaine Liddy