About Us
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History of Four Winds
Four Winds was founded in Rockhampton in 2018 by a group of local community leaders, educators, and Elders who shared a vision: to break down barriers to education and employment for marginalised and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Central Queensland.
The name Four Winds was chosen to reflect the belief that opportunity and knowledge should flow freely in every direction — north, south, east, and west — reaching people wherever they are. It also symbolises the coming together of different cultures, ideas, and strengths to create lasting change.
From Community Conversations to Action
The idea for Four Winds emerged from conversations within the community about the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous and disadvantaged families — including limited access to quality education, high unemployment rates, and systemic inequities that had persisted across generations. The founding members recognised that creating change required culturally appropriate, grassroots solutions developed with the community, not just for it.
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Starting with a small volunteer team and a modest office, Four Winds began offering free tutoring, literacy programs, and job-readiness workshops. Early partnerships with local schools, training providers, and employers helped build pathways for young people and adults alike to gain the skills, confidence, and qualifications they needed.
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Blending Tradition with Modern Skills
Over time, Four Winds expanded its services to include mentoring programs, cultural awareness training for employers, support for apprenticeships and traineeships, and advocacy for inclusive hiring practices. By blending traditional knowledge with modern skills development, Four Winds has become a trusted bridge between communities and opportunities.
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Today, Four Winds stands as a proud testament to what can be achieved when communities come together with determination and respect. From its beginnings in Rockhampton, it continues to champion equity, empowerment, and self-determination for marginalised and Indigenous Australians — one learner, one job, and one success story at a time.
Our Mission
Four Winds exists to empower Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and marginalised
communities by delivering culturally grounded coaching, mentoring, education, training, and employment programs.
We walk alongside individuals at every stage of their journey — from behavioural and habit change, to building foundational skills, to gaining qualifications, to securing meaningful work or starting a business — while fostering pride in culture, resilience, and leadership.
Our mission is not only to create opportunities, but also to:
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Remove barriers
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Challenge inequities
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Support people to realise their full potential in ways that honour their identity
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Community connections
Our Vision
We envision a future where every person in Queensland has equal access to the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive.
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We see vibrant, empowered communities where:
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Education enables choice and employment leads to independence
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Culture recognised as strength, with Indigenous knowledge and modern skills valued equally
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Collaboration that bridges divides, ensuring every voice is heard in shaping a fair and inclusive society