James Cook University will help improve the lives of children and young people across Northern Queensland through a strengthened partnership with Queensland Kids Partnership (QKP).
The renewed agreement will support long-term, systems-level outcomes for young Queenslanders, with a particular focus on disaster resilience, education and First Nations engagement.
It builds on an umbrella agreement established in 2022, under which JCU hosts the Country Kids Collaborative, and supports QKP's 2025-2030 Impact Strategy, with Northern Queensland a key regional focus.
JCU Deputy Vice Chancellor Research, Professor Jenny Seddon, said JCU's presence across the region, including rural, remote and First Nations communities, puts it in a strong position to deliver place-based solutions.
"By bringing together expertise in health, education, the environment and social sciences, we are working with QKP to address complex challenges such as disaster resilience, rural health access and the broader social factors that shape young people's lives," Prof Seddon said.
JCU will play a lead role in delivering the strategy across Northern Queensland, working with QKP and its partners to drive meaningful, long-term change.
"We're developing research and practical initiatives with schools and community organisations to support lasting, system-wide improvements," Prof Seddon said.
"This is a model that will be replicated in other regions across Queensland."
JCU Research Partnerships Manager John Matthews said the initiative builds on a strong, long-standing relationship with QKP and on-the-ground collaboration in Cairns and Townsville.
"We've worked closely with QKP for several years, including hosting embedded staff in the Cairns Institute and now in Townsville," he said.
"This next phase strengthens that partnership and supports the rollout of QKP's five-year strategy across Northern Queensland."
QKP Executive Convenor Michael Hogan said the strengthened agreement would enable practical collaboration towards a shared goal of helping children, young people and their communities to thrive.
"This partnership brings together JCU's strong research and teaching capability and deep regional connections with QKP's expertise and networks," Mr Hogan said.
"QKP is supported by philanthropy to work across sectors and communities in areas such as place-based initiatives, hubs and disaster response, helping translate evidence and lived experience into practice.
"Together, we are committed to improving the systems and environments that shape young lives and supporting the workforce and leaders who can make a positive difference."
