The Western Cape Futures Symposium (WCFS) returns on 5–6 May 2027, bringing together communities, industry, government, researchers and Traditional Owners to continue shaping a shared vision for the future of...READ MORE
To encourage engagement in agriculture and agribusiness that offers positive social, cultural, and economic opportunities for Indigenous community members. Management of Tropical North Queensland’s land and sea resources reflects the rights, values and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
The Sustainable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Enterprise Program will deliver on this through three key activities.
The Western Cape Futures Symposium (WCFS) returns on 5–6 May 2027, bringing together communities, industry, government, researchers and Traditional Owners to continue shaping a shared vision for the future of...READ MORE
The TNQ Drought Hub recently joined colleagues, collaborators and friends at Trinity Beach Tap House to celebrate the retirement of Professor Allan Dale and recognise his outstanding contribution to Northern...READ MORE
SATSIE program member (and previous SATSIE Program Lead) Professor Allan Dale has been supporting the Fitzroy Catchment Traditional Owners Alliance (FCTOA) since 2022, helping to strengthen collaboration and governance across...READ MORE
Community Led Innovation Driving Torres Strait Resilience Key takeaways The TNQ Drought Hub has supported Dennis Fay’s leadership journey through the SATSIE program, helping him expand networks, share Torres Strait-led...READ MORE
Supporting NRM Staff to Build Understanding of Land Tenure Key takeaways The workshop helped build a stronger understanding of the complex land tenure systems across Cape York, including Deed of...READ MORE
Regional Food Security Workshop Strengthens Collaboration for Cape York Food Systems Key takeaways There is growing momentum to support locally driven food systems across Cape York and the Torres Strait,...READ MORE
Deadly Women Celebrate International Women’s Day in Cairns Key takeaways More than 60 people attended the Deadly International Women’s Day event despite heavy rain, highlighting strong community commitment to supporting...READ MORE
Deadly Women International Women’s Day 2026 Join us this International Women’s Day for a powerful morning celebrating the strength, leadership and stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Deadly...READ MORE
Cape York Leaders Unite for Food Security Workshop Key takeaways The workshop explored practical ways to boost local supply chains and increase community-based food production, reducing reliance on expensive and...READ MORE
Hands-On Learning at Bush Tukka Gardens Strengthens Skills for Cape York Students Key takeaway Learning about bush foods and culturally informed growing methods highlights the value of combining traditional knowledge...READ MORE
Program Lead
Jim Turnour is a Principal Strategic Regional Planner at The Cairns Institute, James Cook University where he works with regional and First Nations communities supporting place-based approaches to local challenges.
Prior to this he spent a decade working as a Chief Executive Officer and General Manager for Aboriginal Corporations in Cape York Peninsula. He is a Director of Cape York NRM and Committee Member of the Cairns and District Chinese Association.
Jim was the Member for Leichhardt in the Australian Parliament between 2007 and 2010 representing communities including Cairns, the Douglas Shire, Cape York and the Torres Strait in the Rudd and Gillard Governments. He served on the House Economics, Indigenous Affairs and National Capital and Territories Parliamentary Committees and was Chair of the Labor Caucus Infrastructure Committee. He started his career as an agronomist and extension officer working predominantly for the Queensland Department of Primary Industries in Central and Far North Queensland.
Jim has a PhD (Economics) from James Cook University and degrees in Agriculture Science and Economics from the University of Queensland