The visit gave Catherine and Jamie an opportunity to see first-hand the wonderful work of major CFF partner ALNF, who currently are working on Palm Island from Nov 5 – 18.

The Early Childhood Language (ECL) and Literacy Parent Project (LP) is a 3 year plan, and ALNF Founder and Chairman Mary-Ruth Mendel is very happy with how the program is progressing so far.

“The skills of Palm Island teacher’s assistants are just marvellous! Absolutely marvellous!”

The visit to Palm Island also presented Catherine, Jamie and Mary-Ruth, the opportunity to be part of a Palm Island Community Education Council (PICEC) meeting which saw a very broad range of Palm Island specific educational issues discussed and explored by all stakeholders including community leaders, government representatives and local school representatives.

CFF, ALNF and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) also came together as the ECL & LLP Steering Committee making the Palm Island trip overall a very fruitful and significant experience.

CFF wishes to thank ALNF for their tremendous work, PICEC for allowing CFF participation in their forum, and DEEWR for their ongoing support.

Palm Island born Daphne is a highly regarded community member who has recently completed her Social Work Degree in Geelong.

CFF are very proud to have Daphne join our team and we look forward to achieving some great results together in the future.

Students of the 2 Palm Island schools, St Michael’s and Bwgcolman, were awarded and recognised for their work ethic, attitude and improvement in literacy. After the awards ceremony the schoolchildren participated in the first annual Champion of Hope Fun Run. As rainy weather kept everyone indoors the children ran laps in the undercover area of the PCYC complex.

The Fun Run was a festive event which saw children running enthusiastically and experiencing the joy of exercise. The run was followed by a community BBQ.

The CFF team enjoyed 2 very busy days on the Island meeting with community leaders, school staff and children, and CFF’s Palm Island Community Consultation Group (PICCG).

CFF also enjoyed the local netball competitions including the CFF-sponsored under 13 girls team, and the open-age unisex Grand Final competition that saw Nabal win over the Panthers.

Eve Ash, a psychologist, film producer and well known public speaker and presenter, along with her 2 man film crew, introduced the animated series ‘Finding My Magic’ to Palm Island school children and teachers. The animation features CFF Founder Catherine Freeman as one of its characters and is a 12-episode series highlighting the usefulness and power of positive self talk to drive greater individual performance and self esteem.

CFF would like to acknowledge Yolanda Coutts for her dedication to the netball program, Jen Healy for her assistance with the Fun Run, Deneice Geia for assistance with logistics and for her wise counsel, and Sgt Bernie Mead for help on too many issues to mention.

Thanks to all who participated in the PICCG meeting and to the teachers and administrators that help our Non-Truancy/Literacy program to happen. You are our Champions!

CFF also would like to thank Eve Ash for her support.

Lander & Rogers has been a CFF partner since March 2010 and the CFF team was privileged to be able to provide to them further insight and information into our programs, operations and management.

We would especially like to thank Derek Humphrey-Smith and Jo Renkin for relationship management; Bill Brown, Margaret Vitale, Olivia Mason and Isabella Calabro for their help with the Champion of Hope Fun Run; Bill Brown, Margaret Vitale and Olivia Mason for their assistance with the Literacy Program; and Derek Humphrey-Smith, Daniel Proietto, Emma Purdue, and Elizabeth Carrick for Compliance and Operations assistance.

CFF thanks Lander & Rogers for their tremendous ongoing support.

CFF is proud to be working with Cowan, and is delighted to announce that they will be servicing us pro bono.

Our deepest thanks to the team at Cowan.

The media pack were focussed on the business side of the athletics meet, however, Catherine enjoyed immensely taking the time to share her passion.

She was pleased to introduce CFF to her international athletics family, including the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) President, Lamine Diack.

CFF would like to acknowledge the IAAF.

Trish is a qualified nurse and has extensive experience in PR and Marketing.

Having owned and run her own companies for many years, Trish has been involved with some exciting projects and events such as the Greg Norman Holden Golf, the launch of the Rialto Melbourne, the America’s Cup Perth, V8 Racing and more.

Her Marketing experience spans many disciplines, which has also involved her working with most of the large national and international corporations.

CFF welcomes Trish Ennis.

Whilst CFF is saddened by the loss to us, we are happy for the future of both ladies who gave so much to CFF and the children of Palm Island.

Collectively Carol and Svea served CFF for just under 2 and a half years, and we will be always grateful for their impact on our organisation.

CFF acknowledges the tremendous contributions of Carol Ross and Svea Pitman, and we wish them all the best.

American born Candace brings to CFF her international worldview of Indigenous Australian issues and seeks to promoting humanity, equality and fairness.

Candace has experience across a wide range of services, including working with recovering addicts, people with mental disability, and teens in crisis. She has worked in the philanthropy space as a board member for Women Donors Network and on the Corporate Relations Committee for Fitted for Work.

CFF welcomes Candace Ohanessian.

July 30, CFF Founder and Cottage by the Sea Patron Catherine Freeman, helped celebrate the 120^th birthday of the Victorian iconic respite service giver in Queenscliff.

The board, staff, branches and supporters of the Cottage shared formal proceedings before enjoying afternoon tea in the cottage, and a viewing of archival Cottage material consisting of texts and photographs.

The CFF program, Educational Tours, is attributable to the wonderful partnership between CFF and Cottage by the Sea.

CFF thank Cottage by the Sea for their amazing support and wish the Cottage a happy 120^th birthday.

Here’s to another 120 years.

July 29, CFF Founder and Child Wise ambassador, Catherine Freeman and CFF General Manager, Carol Ross, dined with Child Wise Founder and CEO Bernadette McMenamin AO, Child Wise Development Manager, Carol Croce, and valued Child Wise associates, in Melbourne.

The event gave Child Wise an opportunity to provide their associates further insight and education into their current work overseas as well as in Australia.

Special guest speaker was Srey Neth  http://www.transitionsglobal.org/ who is a survivor of sex trafficking whom at the age of 14 was sold by her mother for $300 into the sex trade.

Other guest speakers included Bernadette McMenamin AO, Rong Rattana (Child Wise Cambodia), Summer Twyman(Clinical Director-Transition Global), and Kristy Flemming (International Child Protection Manager Child Wise).

An interesting group discussion did take place providing further information and insight.

CFF thank Child Wise for being a tremendous inspiration.

July 27, CFF Founder, Catherine Freeman, attended a media event announcing Telstra Foundations grant recipients in Brisbane.

Catherine Freeman along with, Dr Chris Sarra of the Stronger Smarter Institute, Michael Long of The Long Walk Trust, Jason Glanville from the Australian Indigenous Leadership Centre and Carrinne Lidell from the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council are Telstra Foundation grant recipients.

CFF will utilise this grant to drive our Early Childhood Literacy and Numeracy Program.

CFF wish to thank the Telstra Foundation for their tremendous support, and wish all grant recipients the best.

Kerri-Ann Bulsey, Moewaiya Youngblutt, and Jerri Prior-Blackley, who are 13 years of age attend Townsville’s Cathedral school with the exception of Jerri who schools at Townsville Grammar.

Catherine and Renee felt quite privileged to have a chance to share conversation and lunch with the girls on Townsville’s Strand.

Kerri-Ann is interested in being a doctor and visiting Los Angeles, while Moewaiya would like to be an Interior Designer and visit France, and Jerri has her sights set on being a school nurse and living on Magnetic Island.

CFF would like to thank Renee Coffey (AIEF), and Kerri-Ann Bulsey, Moewaiya Youngblutt and Jerri Prior-Blackley.

July 12-16, was yet another busy week on Palm Island for CFF General Manger Carol Ross, CFF Donor Relations Manager Candace Ohanessian, and CFF Founder Catherine Freeman.

The CFF team met with community leaders, introduced Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation (ALNF) Founder Mary-Ruth Mendel and ALNF Director of Communications Gabrielle Kemeny to the community, and enjoyed CFF’s first ever netball tournament.

The Catherine Freeman Netball Challenge saw 6 teams compete for the Kathy Tarpaulin Memorial Shield, which included 6 teams, 4 of which were visiting teams from Rasmussen, Magnetic Island, Good Shepherd and Ryan, and included Palm Island school teams, St Michaels and Bwgcolman.

Ryan won the competition with Bwgcolman coming in runner up.The tournament also provided an opportunity for selectors to assemble an under 12 team for the Nationals in September.

CFF would like to thank Rob Blackley (The Company), Mary- Ruth Mendel and Gabrielle Kemeny (ALNF), Manatu Nelliman (PCYC), Andrew Castors (CFF), Jen Healy.

CFF want to thank all participants of The Cathy Freeman Netball Challenge, and wish to congratulate Ryan on their fine victory.

June 22, a book named ‘The Modern Woman’s Anthology 2010’ was launched in Sydney.

CFF Founder Catherine Freeman features as one of the 21 authors who will help raise funds for the not-for-profit organisation Black Dog Institute through publication sales.

CFF acknowledges the publications co-editor Leah Greengarten for her generous support.

July 6, a CFF sponsored photographic exhibition commences today until July 25 at Melbourne’s Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia Federation Square.

The exhibition named ‘Thru the lens’ captures life on Palm Island through the eyes of local Palm Island children.

CFF wish to thank Bwgcolman Futures Inc., Tony Albert, and NGV for their tremendous support.

June 24, CFF Founder Catherine Freeman and CFF General Manager Carol Ross, met with Australia’s 25^th Governor - General Quentin Bryce AC, at Government House in Canberra, to discuss future national female sporting and educational opportunities.

On a day when Australia’s first female Governor - General, swore in this country’s first female Prime Minister, it indeed, even more so, was an historic occasion.

CFF wish to acknowledge and thank Australia’s Governor-General Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC.

June 24, CFF Founder Catherine Freeman and CFF General Manager Carol Ross, attended day one of the two day ‘Close the Gap – Making it Happen workshop Program’ in Canberra’s Old Parliament House.

Carol and Catherine (in her role as co-patron with Ian Thorpe of the ‘Close the Gap’ program) listened to informative and insightful talks focussed on the topic, ‘Planning for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health equality within a generation.’

CFF wish to acknowledge and thank Christopher Holland and Tom Calma.

June 22 & 23, CFF Founder Catherine Freeman and CFF General Manager Carol Ross, spent two days on Palm Island  presenting our Non-truancy bike awards, meeting with community members, sharing Palm Island with the Herald Sun and ABC, and enjoying the local schools athletics day.

CFF would like to thank and acknowledge Rob Blackley, Hedley Ally, and Jenny Prior from Palm Island’s The Company, for helping make CFF’s time on Palm particularly productive including encouraging our involvement in The Company’s first ever Elders Reference Group Meeting, and the use of one of their vehicles.

Special mention must go to Rob Blackley for his time and effort.

CFF would also like to thank those who took the time to meet with Carol and Catherine.

Bernie Mead (PCYC),  Deniece Geia (Red Cross), Andrea Castors (CFF’s new After School Activities Coordinator), Joe Istria (Palm Island school teacher), Peena Geia (Palm Island elder), Alf Lacey (Palm Island Mayor), and Todd Chatterton and Nazi Youngblutt (Palm Island school teachers.)

CFF also thanks David Caird and Patrick Carlyon from Melbourne’s Herald Sun and ABC’s Paul Kennedy and his cameraman ‘Dave.’

Finally, CFF gives special thanks to Jen Healy for organising the Non-truancy bike awards.

May 24, CFF welcomes Candace Ohanessian to her first day with us as a volunteer for a few weeks.

Candace has extensive experience in business, hospitality, events, and the not for profit sector

both within Australia and overseas.

We are most grateful to Candace and CFF warmly welcomes her.

The students who represented Palm Island were: Steen Walsh, Rasharna Prior, Colleen Wilson, Rashaun Creed, Penny Roberts- Lenoy, Shaylan Haines, Mirinda Bulsey, Corina James, Malik Walsh, Allan Walsh, Elsie Watson-Barry, Michael Sibley, Thelma Sibley, Danielle Kyle and Koipe Castors. Special mention goes to Danielle Kyle and Koipe Castors who came in 1^st and 2^nd. 

 Next Tuesday on the 25^th of May Danielle and Koipe will represent the Townsville District in the North Queensland Trials, so let’s wish us all the best and hopefully we can do well again.

CFF WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE ALL CROSS COUNTRY PARTICIPANTS AND EXTEND A THANK YOU TO JEN HEALY AND CFF PROGRAMS CO-ORDINATOR JODIE RYAN. 

CFF wishes to thank Jodie Ryan, Jen Healy and Manatu Nelliman, and wishes all players good luck.

May 3, CFF featured on a 30 minute segment on FOXTEL’s Bio Channel.

CFF Founder Catherine Freeman, Catherine’s mother Cecelia Barber, and CFF Programs Coordinator Svea Pitman were interview subjects highlighting CFF’s work, focus and connection to Palm Island.

CFF would like to acknowledge and thank Bearcage Productions and FOXTEL’s Bio Channel.

May 7, CFF Founder Catherine Freeman and CFF General Manager Carol Ross, presented CFF’s flagship fundraising concept, Champion of Hope Fun Run, to the Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia (AHISA) in Red Hill Victoria.

Carol and Catherine presented to a group of 25 school principals hoping to enlist their support for CFF and the community of Palm Island.

CFF wish to thank and acknowledge AHISA, for giving us the opportunity to present our story.

1 May, CFF is the proud recipient of fundraising efforts of Michael Ormiston who completed a 6 day foot race that covered 250 km across the Kimberleys in the desert of W.A.

Michael so far has raised $4120 and aims to raise $10,000 in total for CFF through his participation in Racing the Planet.

CFF is incredibly proud of Michaels will to succeed as he finished in a time of 38 hours and 55 minutes and placed 11^th out of 200 which is a fantastic result.

CFF wishes to thank and congratulate Michael Ormiston on his very fine effort both in his physical and fundraising efforts.

May 3, CFF Founder Catherine Freeman, CFF General Manager Carol Ross and CFF Program Coordinator  Svea Pitman, met with ALNF (Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation) Founders Mary-Ruth Mendel and Kim Kelly, and ALNF Director of Communications Gabrielle Kemeny in ALNF’s Sydney office.

CFF and ALNF are in the process of planning 3 years of work together allowing early childhood numeracy and literacy performance improvement for Palm Island.

CFF acknowledges the tremendous support of ALNF.

May 3, CFF, with the terrific support of The Rep Group, launched our inaugural flagship fundraising event, Champion of Hope Fun Run, at Sydney’s Olympic Park Athletics Centre.

CFF Founder Catherine Freeman was joined by CFF ambassadors, legendary sports commentator and t.v. personality, Bruce Mcavaney, Indigenous country singer/song writer Adam James, and retired Sydney Swans AFL player Michael O’Loughlin.

The launch was emceed by the wonderful t.v. personality/presenter Angela Brown in front of a small throng of media and school representatives.

The Champion of Hope Fun Run hopes to raise at least $400,000 to continue our educational and wellbeing programs on Palm Island.

CFF wishes to give much thanks to The Rep Group, Bruce Mcavaney, Adam James, Michael O’Loughlin and Angela Brown for their incredible generosity and kindness of spirit.

April 24, CFF Founder Catherine Freeman, attended the Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic.

Layne’s program was an Association of Surfing Professionals Women’s World Tour event that CFF was proud to support.

Layne Beachley founded Aim for the Stars Foundation in 2003 that focuses on supporting women in their incredible personal endeavours.

Layne has also thrown her support behind CFF in the past of which CFF are very grateful for.

CFF wishes to congratulate Layne Beachley on her surfing and charitable achievements.

April 17, Jen Healy, primary PE teacher of Palm Island’s Bwgcolman Community School reports.

A big thanks to the Catherine Freeman Foundation and Corcoran Park Netball Association for organising a Netball Umpiring Workshop on Palm Island.

The workshop was held on Saturday the 17th of April and we had 16 people participating in the workshop, 8 adults and 8 primary school aged students. All the participants had a really enjoyable day and we also learnt heaps.

Netball is arguably the most popular sport on Palm Island but it's been a really long time since anyone has been able to update their skills in coaching and umpiring so all the participants were all really thankful for the opportunity. 

We are also looking forward to putting our new skills into action for the 2010 Netball season which is due to commence very soon. 
 

CFF wishes to give Jen Healy great thanks for making the Umpiring Workshop a true success.

September 2009, Belinda James joined CFF by volunteering her services and creating the CFF newsletter concept, Champion of Hope.

Belinda has been integral in developing a strategic approach between CFF and the corporate sector, and has contributed to some of CFF’s major fundraising marketing collateral.

CFF is most grateful to Belinda James for her terrific support, time and energy.

March 30, CFF General Manager Carol Ross, met with Carnival Australia CEO Ann Sherry in Sydney.

Carnival Australia presented $50,000 to CFF continuing a most powerful and significant partnership to date.

Carnival Australia has been CFF's principal corporate sponsor for over 2 years and CFF is indeed grateful for the wonderful support provided by Carnival Australia.

March 31, CFF General Manager Carol Ross and CFF Programs Co-ordinator Svea Pitman were kept busy in Townsville meeting DEEWR (Department of Education, Employment and Work Relations), ICC (Indigenous Co-ordination Centre) and Qld Department of Sports and Rec to discuss their support of CFF and CFF programs.

CFF would like to acknowledge and thank DEEWR, ICC and Qld Sport and Rec for their valuable support.

March 31, CFF Founder Catherine Freeman and CFF Programs Co-ordinator Svea Pitman attended the funeral of Palm Island Councillor Mick Thaiday.

A large crowd attended in Townville at St Theresa’s church to farewell and celebrate the life of a great man, leader and role model, who fought and stood so long for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander freedom and human rights.

CFF would like to extend to Auntie Irene, the Thaiday and Anderson families, our deepest and sincerest condolences.

March 2010

March 29 & 30, Palm Island based CFF After School Activities Facilitator Jodie Ryan, greeted CFF Founder Catherine Freeman and CFF Programs Coordinator Svea Pitman, to commence Catherine and Svea’s  two day visit to the island.

Day 1 saw CFF’s first ever Literacy and Netball Awards ceremonies take place which proved to be a success for CFF and the community overall.

The Literacy awards ceremony, aptly named the Combined Schools Literacy Awards, saw outstanding students, in each year level from all Palm Island schools, acknowledged and rewarded for their excellent attitude towards their literacy education.

Award recipients were presented fine literacy material to encourage their further effort and enthusiasm towards their learning.

The netball awards ceremony saw the four participating under 12 and U/17 teams receive participation certificates and key rings.

The winner of the under 12’s group were the Strikers, and winners of the under 17’s competition were the Stealers. Each team received champion medallions to mark the occasion.

CFF wish to congratulate all Literacy award recipients, and would also like to congratulate all netball participants and winners.

Day 2 was also a busy day for CFF as it started by Catherine and Svea participating in a Palm Island Senior Campus Non Truancy meeting.

Senior Campus staff, students, and role models Townsville Cowboy Rugby League stars Palm Island born Obe Geia and Torres Strait Island born, Michael Bani, meet to discuss school participation and attendance.

CFF wish all school students and staff all the very best regarding the issue of non-truancy.

Next on the agenda was a meeting related to Vocational Training and job readiness for Palm Island’s male youth. Catherine contributed to the event by addressing the small group about issues including racism, stereotypes and unfair criticism.

CFF acknowledges those young men and we wish them all the very best for their futures.

Next on the schedule, Catherine and Svea met with CFF’s Consultancy Committee to share CFF news and updates.

The meeting provided community members an opportunity to provide Catherine and Svea valuable feedback and ideas focusing on community development.

CFF greatly value and appreciate the input that the Palm Island based Consultancy Committee supply the Melbourne based CFF administrative team.

The last meeting of the day saw the CFF team, Catherine, Svea and Jody, sit and talk through matters related to the netball competition and this year’s major fundraising event in October.

The CFF team were joined by avid CFF supporter, local school teacher Jenny Healy, who has been contributing greatly to the success of the island’s netball competitions.

CFF would like to acknowledge and thank Jenny Healy for all of her time, energy and support for CFF.

March 26, CFF General Manager Carol Ross, CFF Founder and Cottage by the Sea patron Catherine Freeman, joined Cottage by the Sea General Manager Tony Featherston at an informal lunch at the Melbourne office of Advanced Personnel Management.

Lunch guests included APM staff and associates and before everybody enjoyed the delicious home made dessert, APM presented CBTS with a cheque for $16000 which in part will be used to cover the costs of a CFF/CBTS camp for a group of Palm Island boys later this year.

CFF acknowledge and thank APM for their magnificent support and CBTS for their tremendous ongoing partnership.

March 19, CFF General Manager Carol Ross and CFF Founder Catherine Freeman presented the CFF and Palm Island story to IPSHA (Independent Primary School Heads of Australia) in Melbourne.

Before the throng of Independent primary school heads, Carol and Catherine expanded on the CFF journey and aspirations including our major fundraising event for 2010.

CFF were met with much enthusiasm on the day and we acknowledge and thank IPSHA for allowing us the opportunity to present our case.

March, CFF features in this months In Style magazine. It's an 8 page spread including fashion shots of CFF founder Catherine Freeman, and an article that highlights CFF and Palm Island to readers.

CFF wish to acknowledge and thank In Style magazine for covering CFF and Palm Island.

March, CFF received the voluntary services of Carlee Botefuhr for 5 weeks as she integrated her operational leadership and project analysis skills into our organisation.

CFF greatly appreciate Carlee's time and generosity. 

February 23 and 24, CFF General Manager Carol Ross and CFF Founder Catherine Freeman attended the Business Leaders Forum - "Everybody's Business' at Canberra's Parliament House.

The forum, an initiative of the Rudd goverment, focussed on themes around school to work transitions, mentoring and role models, developing local employment partnerships or 'clusters' between businesses, schools and community organisations to guarantee local jobs, Indigenous enterprise development and Training.

Spearheaded by Senator the Hon Mark Arbib, the forum represented the Governments "committment to creating more sustainable Indigenous jobs and improving the economic outcomes of Indigenous Australians."

CFF wish to thank and acknowledge Jenny Macklin and Julia Gillards office for our invitation to the forum which reinforced CFF's committment to Palm island children and families.

February 22, Michael Neuzerling volunteered his time and energy over 5 days towards CFF and Palm Island.

Michael brought his skills in business,marketing and law to CFF and so CFF wish to thank and acknowledge Michael for his valuable contribution and support.

February 9, CFF are proud to announce that Melbourne based organisaton, Kinfolk Cafe, have chosen CFF as their charity partner.

Kinfolk Cafe see the partnership with CFF forming around two concepts. Firstly, the contribution of funds from Kinfolk and secondly the publicity and awareness that Kinfolk can offer CFF.

CFF would like to aknowledge and thank Kinfolk Cafe as we look forward to partnering so CFF programs can create brighter pathways for Palm Island kids and families.

February, CFF welcomes Tara Glanville-Yates who has joined the team as a volunteer.

Tara brings her skills in the area of organisational communication to CFF that undoubtedly will create greater effectiveness for CFF and better outcomes for Palm Island. 

January 25, CFF Palm Island based After School Acitivities Program facilitator Jodie Ryan reports.

 The Junior Netball Summer Competition has now come to a close and was very successful with grand finals over it is now time for us to recap.  

We had 2 age groups under 12’s and under 17’s. We started off with 3 under 12’s teams and 2 under 17’s teams and ended up with 8 teams entered into the competition with 4 in each age group.

We ran a series of 7 games and then played a round robin for the playoff’s to give all teams a chance of playing in the grand final.  

We had the playoffs on Tuesday 19^th January 2010 which ran through to the 21^st January 2010. We let all teams play for a spot in the finals.

We had 80 kids between ages 7 to 17 playing in the netball competition and over 100 supporters attending each game with kids and adults of all ages turning up to watch.

All teams played according to draws completed by myself. Games were played every Wednesday night starting at 5pm. The games consisted of 15 minute quarters. We had local experienced umpires including myself to referee the games.

 Locals regularly were helping with setting up, scoring, time keeping and other associated duties that needed to be completed. PCYC (Police, citizens and youth centre) provided staff, venue, cold water and fruit as part of their healthy body and healthy minds program.

The small but infamous competition has sparked the interest in junior netball within the community. Now I have parents, elders, veterans and kids interested in the next competition. I have around 50 people wanting to volunteer to help with the next competition to ensure it is run properly.

Also we have interest to start a committee for the junior netball which will involve parents and veterans of the sport in the community.

CFF wish to congratulate and thank Jodie Ryan and all Palm Island netball participants (players and supporters) for making the CFF After School Acitivity Program a success.

January 21, CFF General Manager, Carol Ross, and CFF Founder, Catherine Freeman, met with Jenny Macklin and Julia Gillards advisors in Melbourne to discuss further developments for Palm Island and CFF.

CFF acknowledges Macklin and Gillards efforts for Palm Island and CFF.

January 2010, CFF is most excited to announce the latest addition to the CFF team, Trisha Yates.

Trisha joins CFF bringing to the team experience in social work, nursing and administration.

We welcome Trisha and we look forward to advancing CFF together.

December 16, CFF took part in launching Carnival Australia's 70,000 ton cruise ship, Pacific Dawn, in Brisbane.

CFF Founder Catherine Freeman who is also the ships godmother, attended the media launch along with 7 Palm Island residents which included 6 children who made the special trip to Brisbane.

Carnival Australia is a tremendous supporter of CFF and we are greatly appreciative for their generosity.

November 29, CFF participated in Melbourne's Great Australian run. CFF Founder, Catherine Freeman ran 15km and was proud to complete the fun run especially because she was inspired by the children of Palm Island in her longest run ever.

CFF team members Carol Ross, Alison Jackson and Svea Pitman were also present as they managed the CFF marquee where they mingled with the general public including fun run participants, sharing information related to Palm Island and CFF.

November 2009, CFF is proud to announce our new team member Megan Tagliabue who brings to CFF her planning, marketing, and communications skills.

Megan shall be focussing on CFF's major 2010 annual fundraising event.

CFF welcomes Megan to our team and we look forward to reaping many wonderful rewards with you for Palm Island and CFF. 

September 2009, CFF enlisted Hexagon Graphics creating a meaningful partnership with Helene Clark.

CFF acknowledge and thank Helene's for her committment to CFF and we look forward to working with her into the future.

Dec 13, CFF Founder Catherine Freeman visited the Melbourne office of Bicycle Victoria spending time sharing the CFF journey and aspirations.

Catherine spent time with a most interested audience and thoroughly enjoyed her experience.

CFF would like to thank and acknowledge Bronwen Willis and Bicycle Victoria.

Dec 7, CFF General Manager Carol Ross, CFF Programs Coordinator Svea Pitman, and CFF Founder Catherine Freeman met Queensland Education’s Steve Armitage and Ian Mackie, and the Stronger Smarter Institute’s Chris Sarra and Toby Adams.

The CFF team’s exposure to Queensland’s educational benefits couldn’t have come from more reliable sources.

Together in the Brisbane office of Queensland Education, we talked ever so briefly about Queensland Education’s, Smarter and Stronger Institute’s and CFF’s educational issues.

CFF WOULD LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE AND THANK QUEENSLAND EDUCATION AND THE STRONGER SMART INSITUTE.

Dec 8 & 9, CFF General Manager Carol Ross, CFF Programs Coordinator Svea Pitman, and CFF Founder Catherine Freeman spent two action filled days on Palm Island.

CFF Board member Wesley Walden visited the island for a day and enjoyed his first visit meeting the locals and taking in the natural beauty that Palm offers.

Day 1 saw the CFF team cross pathways with Federal Minister of Indigenous Affairs Jenny Macklin as she was on the island to announce the governments support and funding behind the soon to be built Palm Island sporting precinct.

Jenny Macklin also assisted Wesley Walden and Catherine by presenting our bicycles to students as part of our Non-truancy program.

Svea Pitman, having lived on Palm for 8 years, then drove the CFF team around the island giving Wesley Walden his first ever tour before his flight out to Townsville.

Carol, Svea and Catherine stayed on to enjoy an end of year school concert which showcased some fantastic creative and artistic talent of Palm’s youngsters.

Day 2 saw Carol, Svea and Catherine meet with the principals from both of the Palm schools, the pre-school, CFF’s After School Activity Program Coordinator Jodie Ryan, and the CFF Consultative Committee.