TNQ Drought Hub
James Cook University Australia
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Showcasing First Nation Innovation and Collaboration at the Developing Northern Australia Conference

Key takeaways

  • Indigenous governance and water rights are key – Presenters stressed the importance of strong governance and activating Indigenous water rights to support sustainable enterprise and country-based planning.
  • The hub played a prominent role at the a Conference, using the platform to elevate First Nations voices through sponsored attendance, keynote speaker opportunities, and presentations linked to the SATSIE Program. This included support for leaders such as Joe Clarke and Christine Rhazi, and Indigenous presenters like Dennis Fay and Samantha Martin, reinforcing the Hub’s commitment to trusted, long-term partnerships.
  • Dr Jane Oorschot’s research on “HR in the Tropics” underscored how northern-specific factors—such as remoteness, housing, and climate—impact workforce development. The need for localised HR approaches was a key takeaway, reinforcing the importance of context-driven solutions for building capacity in regional and remote areas.

The Developing Northern Australia Conference, held on the 22-24 July in Cairns was an important platform for the TNQ Drought Hub to showcase key First Nations initiatives and connect with partners committed to building resilience across the Northern Australia. Through presentations, posters and performances, the hub was proud to support First Nation voices and share practical, place-based insights into climate resilience, sustainable enterprise, and drought preparedness.

As part of our Sustainable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Enterprise (SATSIE) Program, the hub sponsored the attendance of Joe Clarke, Group General Manager of Centrefarm Aboriginal Horticulture Ltd, and Christine Rhazi, Director of Community and Economic Development at Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council. Both leaders are exploring new opportunities for sustainable enterprises on Aboriginal land, including re-establishing Napranum’s farm.

SATSIE Program Lead Dr Jim Turnour presented on the opportunities and challenges of activating Indigenous water rights on the Cape York Peninsula. Dr Turnour said, “The conference provided a real opportunity to hear and learn from diverse First Nations and their partners and affirmed the approach the SATSIE Program is taking to support First Nation climate and drought resilience.”

L-R: Director David Phelps, Christine Rhazi and Joe Clarke

The hub also helped facilitate Indigenous leadership opportunities on the national stage. Salty Monkeys Founder Dennis Fay and Director of Tribal Voice Connections and Bush Tukka woman Samantha Martin, both friends of the hub, were invited as keynote speakers at the conference. The hub had previously sponsored their attendance at a variety of events which led to them being keynote speakers, highlighting the importance of long term, trusted relationships.

A key theme across many of the Indigenous presentation sessions was the importance of good cultural and corporate governance across enterprises, with First Nations people needing to be engaged early and protocols established that ensure the right people are engaged through country-based planning especially given the complexity of land tenure in northern Australia.

Conference attendees were also treated to a moving performance from the AFL Cape York House Cultural Dancers, supported by SATSIE. Their performance celebrated the rich cultural heritage of both Cape York and Torres Strait communities, further grounding the event in connection to Country and culture.

On the workforce front, Building Human Capacity Program Lead, Dr Jane Oorschot presented her findings on her “HR in the Tropics” research in collaboration with Leigh-ann Onnis. Their poster highlighted how workforce strategies must be contextualised for northern Australia, where place-based factors such as remoteness, housing, and climate impact how human resource practices are developed and delivered.

Across the board, the conference reinforced the need for collaboration, cultural connection and innovation to strengthen resilience in northern Australia. With strong partnerships, clear governance, and local leadership, the TNQ Drought Hub will continue to support First Nations and regional communities to thrive in a changing climate.