Below is a small selection of the many projects JPC has completed in recent times.

BMac Retail Pty Ltd

Brent, a young ambitious man in his yearly 20s, came to JPC through Indigenous Business Australia. With a strong knowledge and experience in the retail sector, Brent’s desire to start his own business was matched by a strong work ethic. He worked tirelessly with JPC consultants to undertake a feasibility study around his concept, and then to develop a business plan. JPC mentored Brent through the process. Brent was keen to listen and learn, and BMac Retail Pty Ltd is now a reality.

Woorabinda Corporate Plan

As part of its quest to improve compliance with local government requirements, Woorabinda Aboriginal Shire Council engaged JPC to develop a Corporate Plan. JPC purposefully engaged the entire Woorabinda community throughout the project – from meeting with Elders and community leaders through to undertaking door-to-door interviews with every person. The results of the engagement were analysed and provided to the Council for review, and eventually the Woorabinda Corporate Plan 2009-2014 was developed – a detailed, culturally appropriate plan addressing 25 key issues.

South West Skills Audit

John Pearson Consulting undertook the largest audit of its type in Queensland when it surveyed hundreds of Indigenous people who live in the region bordered by the townships of Roma, Charleville, St George and Cunnamulla. The data was analysed and the results used by the Department of Education and Training to guide future training investment in the region. As a result, several training programs have started.

Woorabinda Pastoral Company

Water, water everywhere … now what to do. When the Queensland Government allocated the Woorabinda Pastoral 3000 megalitres of water, a number of options unfolded. Storage of water, the most appropriate irrigation techniques and the best business model to capitalise on the valuable resource – all important considerations. JPC stepped into to unravel the options and put forward the most viable business case.

Roadmap to Country

JPC joined forces with Service Skills Australia to deliver accredited Tourism training to the unique and beautiful communities of Doomadgee and Kubin (on Moa Island). The training, part of a larger project called “Roadmap to Country” required a measured approach. Community protocols were followed and introductions extended to relevant stakeholders through the project community liaison officers. Extra time was given to establishing strong relationships with community stakeholders from the start of the project.

After conducting a training needs analysis, different approaches in training were developed for each area: a one-on-one delivery approach was adopted for Doomadgee while group training was favoured for Moa Island. After the project’s conclusion, participants from the Doomadgee region applied to Indigenous Business Australia for assistance in developing tourism-related enterprises owned by the community members. Although out of the scope of the original project, JPC has continued to maintain the relationships with these participants, providing mentoring at no cost.

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Strengthening Indigenous Non-Government Organisations (SINGO) Program

Imagine that the Indigenous organisations in south-east Queensland were individuals wanting to improve their fitness; then JPC was engaged to be their personal trainer. Rather than physical fitness, the SINGO program aspired to strengthen the corporate capabilities within all Indigenous organisations funded by the Department of Community and Disability Services (Queensland) across the Sunshine Coast, Wide bay and Burnett regions. A survey of each organisation determined specific needs, and from this JPC developed a targeted, remedial training program around such governance areas as business planning, understanding financials, board responsibilities and understanding constitutions. The gain maximum practical traction, the program also focused on assisting organisations in developing resources in these areas as part of the training, and providing Indigenous student support mentors to support participants.

Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council

With a view to expanding and improving local business development, the Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council knew that the best decisions are made with all the facts at hand. The Council engaged JPC to gather and organise the information. After broad consultation throughout the community, JPC developed a list of 25 potential business options. Full feasibility studies were undertaken in the most promising businesses, a review conducted on existing business, and a model/structure for a proposed Economic Development Unit was presented. To cater for difference audiences, and greater comprehension, two separate documents were presented; one full and comprehensive, the other more graphical.