Our History

In 1990, around 60 women from all over Cape York and Gulf came together to talk about their issues regarding child care and family violence.  After taking political action to draw attention to the critical service needs, RAATSICC began as a Government Program.  The following year saw the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) Women’s Service sponsor and auspice the RAATSICC Program.  This first stage was about enabling representatives from each of the Network communities come together and make decisions on how the $1m of government funding would be distributed and utilised in supporting our children and families.

In June, 2001, the organisation became self governing and the Cape York RAATSICC Advisory Association Inc became the new auspicing body for the growing range of activities and programs.  The Cairns staff provides crucial support to the community-based workers, such as the Child and Family Support Workers, Shelter Workers and Child Care Centre staff.

In 2004 RAATSICC’s Management Committee and the Cairns staff worked hand in hand with the primary government partner – the Queensland Department of Communities – to conduct an organisational review and implemented the six recommendations arising.  That same year RAATSICC members agreed to take on child protection matters in a relationship with the Queensland Department of Child Safety, and by 2006, became a Recognised Entity.  But due to RAATSICC’s role changing significantly during the year, the decision was made to not continue at that stage.

Also in 2006 the Management Committee signed off, for the first time in the organisation’s history, 3 year Service Agreements giving significant stability to the organisation.  The RAATSICC office was restructured to better align program outcomes and the consistency of programming and staffing has led to very positive outcomes for our communities, including a stronger scheduling of regular visits by staff.

This is a mature time for the RAATSICC organisation, but it is not a complacent time.  The children and family services picture in Cape York and Gulf communities has changed much and the Management Committee and members have called on all partners, particularly community, Aboriginal Shire Councils, State and Federal governments, and all service delivery NGOs, to bring their commitment into play to cement RAATSICC’s community members’ view of an integrated and holistic community-based approach to children, youth and families in our communities.