Central Queensland Indigenous Development

Achievements

Empowering Indigenous communities through culture, connection, advocacy, and impact

Empowering Community

Central Queensland Indigenous Development (CQID) is one of Queensland’s leading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Organisations, dedicated to empowering Indigenous individuals, families, and communities.

Culture is at the heart of everything we do – our work, our people, and the communities we support and walk alongside. For more than 20 years, CQID has delivered impact-making programs across regional Queensland and beyond, supporting over 10,000 families, advocating for and influencing systemic reform, and ultimately driving lasting change for our Mob.

With a service footprint covering an area the size of Victoria, CQID continues to lead through cultural strength, deep community connections, and an unwavering people-first approach. Our work is grounded in respect, guided by community needs, and focused on creating lasting social and community wellbeing, as demonstrated in the milestones and achievements shared below.

Our Mob Helping Our Mob

Through culturally grounded support services, CQID continues to deliver life-changing outcomes for our mob across Central Queensland and beyond.

  • Over 10,000 families supported
  • 980+ clients rehabilitated
  • 176+ children reconnected with family
  • 486+ carers for our young people
  • 909+ young people fostered or in kinship care
  • 88% of children placed in kinship care
  • 1,000+ people housed
  • 400% above target for Housing outcomes

Establish Cultural Protocols

Respectfully partnering with Traditional Custodians, CQID has established cultural protocols across all the regions we operate in to ensure our services are grounded in respect, cultural integrity, and community trust.

Organisational Growth & Reach

With strong community foundations, a wide regional footprint, and a workforce rooted in culture, our growth speaks to impact and reach.

  • 260+ employees, with more than 85% identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
  • 11 offices across eight locations, driving employment and economic growth across Queensland
  • A service footprint covering an area the size of Victoria
  • Delivering 30+ programs to meet community needs
  • Accredited under the Human Services Quality Framework (HSQF)
  • ISO 9001:2015 Certified for Quality Management

Indigenous Economic Opportunities

Creating economic opportunities through employment, training, and business support tailored to our Indigenous community.

  • Only Indigenous Organisation in Australia rated as a 5-star Job Services provider
  • 96% success rate in the Indigenous Employment Program (IEP)
  • Registered Training Organisation (RTO) delivering accredited training
  • Supported the launch of 15 independent Indigenous small businesses
  • Facilitated CQUniversity scholarships for Indigenous students

Education

Committed to strengthening educational outcomes for our Mob by creating meaningful pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

  • First Interdependent Indigenous school concept and implementation in Central Queensland
  • 15+ years partnership with CQUniversity
  • Facilitated CQUniversity scholarships for Indigenous students

Partnerships

Building strategic partnerships that deliver lasting impact, from mental health and education to justice and community wellbeing.

  • First Indigenous Organisation to partner with CQUniversity
  • Lead Organisation Partner with Queensland Primary Health Network (PHN)
  • $36 Million Mental Health Partnership as part of the Better Connect Consortium
  • Commenced the First Indigenous Program within the Etna Creek Correctional Facilities

Advocacy & Government Reform

CQID leads advocacy and drives reform to improve laws, policies, and systems for Indigenous children and families across Queensland.

  • Advocating and creating policy change
  • Advocating and creating legislative change
  • Influencing reform in Child Protection within Queensland
  • Driving Government reform in Housing
  • Driving Government reform in Child Protection
  • Leading Queensland Organisation in Child Protection
  • Leading and creating change in Indigenous Education

Awards & Accolades

CQID’s work has been recognised locally, statewide, and nationally through a range of awards celebrating our leadership, innovation, and community impact.

  • Winner – Queensland Foster and Kinship Care – PARTNERSHIP AWARD 2025
  • Winner –  Queensland Child Protection Week – OUR CHILDREN OUR FUTURE AWARD 2024
  • Winner – PeakCare SIC Award 2020-2021
  • Special Commendation – PeakCare WOKE Award 2020-2021
  • Special Commendations – PeakCare DEADLY Award 2020-2021
  • QATSICPP Child Services Award 2016
  • Top 4 in Australia – 2024 Information Technology Awards
  • Finalist – QCOSS Awards
  • Winner – Jobs Career Futures Award 2006
  • Winner – Jobs Career Futures Award 2007
  • First in Young Achievers Program
  • First in Indigenous Youth Sports Program

Founding Legacy

With foresight and action, CQID has founded initiatives driving lasting change and continues to shape stronger futures for Indigenous communities.

  • First Queensland Organisation to have Delegated Authority
  • Founded Strong in Family & Culture an award-winning, Queensland-first program connecting children in care to their culture and birth families
  • First NGO in Queensland to secure Emergency Accommodation
  • First Indigenous School concept and implementation in Central Queensland
  • Commenced the first Indigenous program within the Etna Creek Correctional Facilities
  • Founded Rockhampton’s first Indigenous Rugby League Carnival
  • Founded and self-funded the Woorabinda Breakfast Club
  • Founding funder of Butchulla Men’s Camp
  • Founding member of Murri Binda

Community Sponsorship

CQID proudly invests in the wellbeing of young people and communities through sport, recreation, and cultural opportunities.

  • Over 5,000 local sporting groups and individuals supported through sponsorship
  • 10,000+ youth engaged in sport and recreational activities
  • 250+ Indigenous youth participated in international cultural exchange programs
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