SIS Facilitates October's First Nations Collaborative

Life Promotion and Suicide Prevention FNQ (an initiative of Beacon Strategies) — funded by the Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) — is working to change the narrative on suicide and build a movement for change across Far North Queensland.

Delivered through the FNQ Collaborative, this ongoing and iterative initiative brings together community leaders, organisations, and people with lived experience to co-design solutions and drive systemic change. Within this broader effort, the First Nations Collaborative provides a dedicated, First Nations-only space shaped by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander priorities, voices, and leadership.

To uphold self-determination and ethical partnering, Beacon Strategies has partnered with Strategic Indigenous Solutions (SIS) — a 100% First Nations-owned and led consultancy based in Cairns. SIS will deliver four Collaborative events by June 2026, each focused on themes such as First Nations leadership, cultural safety, collective impact, and community co-design.

About

Last week, Strategic Indigenous Solutions (SIS) had the honour of facilitating the First Nations Collaborative. The session brought together passionate community leaders, service providers, and lived-experience advocates to yarn, reflect, and co-design actions that strengthen life promotion and suicide prevention across Far North Queensland.

A Safe Space for Reflection and Connection

The workshop was designed to create a culturally safe and reflective space, where participants could speak openly about what’s working, what’s not, and what change is needed within our systems. Through reflection groups and guided discussions, members explored challenges such as workforce pressures, fragmented services, and the need for culturally grounded models of care, while celebrating strengths like a growing First Nations workforce, strong partnerships, and national collaboration through the Culture Care Connect network.

The Power of Collective Voice

The energy in the room was inspiring. As one participant shared, “I’m glad I came today—I’ve met someone I’ll be collaborating with beyond this session.” Others spoke about taking the materials and conversations back to their organisations to spark further dialogue. It’s this spirit of collective learning and relationship-building that lies at the heart of systems change.

Looking Ahead

At SIS, we are proud to walk alongside Life Promotion and Suicide Prevention FNQ and the Collaborative members on this journey, honouring First Nations culture, amplifying local leadership, and working together to build stronger, safer, and more connected communities.

About Strategic Indigenous Solutions (SIS)

This guest blog was written by Tiana Thomas and Tonya Fuschtei, Co-Chief Executive Officers of SIS.

Strategic Indigenous Solutions (SIS) specialises in the development and facilitation of workshops that empower organisations to build capacity, enhance service delivery, and strengthen workforce capability to better meet the unique needs of Indigenous communities. Each workshop is tailored to address key community challenges and support culturally responsive, sustainable solutions that create meaningful impact.

To learn more about Strategic Indigenous Solutions and their work, visit www.strategicindigenoussolutions.com.au.

First Nations Collaborative Guest Blog — Walking Together for Change.