CaTHC is a community-controlled organisation established by leaders from Cape York, the NPA and the Torres Strait.  Our role is to support local communities to have greater influence over health and wellbeing services and funding decisions.  We believe local people are best placed to understand local needs, strengths and priorities.

A Community Leadership Group (CLG) is a group of local people who work together on behalf of their community.  A CLG can be:

• A new group formed for this opportunity; or
• An existing community group.

Groups should be trusted within their community and able to bring together different voices and perspectives.  Successful CLGs will:

• Listen to community members about local priorities.
• Help identify ideas that could improve health and wellbeing.
• Recommend initiatives for funding.
• Work with CaTHC to learn what is working and what can be improved.

You do not need to have everything figured out before applying.  If your group is interested, we encourage you to submit an Expression of Interest and start a conversation with us.

We are looking for community groups that are committed to listening to their communities, bringing people together and helping improve local health and wellbeing.

New or existing community groups are welcome to submit an EOI if they are connected to, representative of, and recognised within their local community. This includes groups that can support culturally appropriate decision-making, governance and accountability around local health and wellbeing funding.

Groups must be connected to one or more communities across Cape York, from Wujal Wujal in the east and Kowanyama in the west, through to the Northern Peninsula Area and the Torres Strait Islands.

Yes. Groups do not need to be incorporated or formally registered to submit an EOI. If a group is selected, CaTHC will work with them to confirm the best way to manage any funding, administration or support arrangements.

Yes. More than one group from the same community may submit an EOI. Because the total funding pool needs to be shared equitably across participating communities, CaTHC will consider EOIs from the same community on a case-by-case basis.

That’s okay. You do not need to have everything fully worked out before submitting an EOI. The EOI is a first step to help CaTHC understand who your group is, the community or communities you are connected to, and whether this opportunity may be a good fit.

If your group is still forming, unsure about what would be involved, or wants to talk through whether to apply, you are encouraged to contact CaTHC before submitting your EOI. CaTHC can talk with you about the process, the role of a Community Leadership Group, and the kind of commitment involved if your group is selected.

The role of a CLG is to help identify community priorities and recommend initiatives for CaTHC funding. A CLG should not assume it will automatically receive project funding for its own activities. If a CLG, or an organisation connected to a CLG, wishes to be considered for funding, this would need to be managed carefully and transparently, including any potential conflicts of interest.

The EOI can be submitted online, by email or by post. If submitting the form in one of these ways is difficult for your group, please contact CaTHC to discuss other ways to provide the information where possible.

Please contact the CaTHC team at admin@cathc.org.au if you have any questions or need help submitting your EOI.

The CaTHC Board of Directors will be accepting expressions of interest from 1 July 2026 until 5:00pm on 31 August 2026.  Expressions of interest must include answers to all mandatory questions on the expression of interest form. 

All EOIs will be acknowledged by CaTHC once they are received and applicants will be notified once CaTHC has completed its review. If you do not receive an acknowledgement, please contact CaTHC to confirm your EOI has been received.

Yes. CaTHC understands the time and effort involved in preparing an EOI. If your group is not selected, CaTHC can provide feedback to help you understand the outcome and support future opportunities where possible.

Yes. If your group is not selected for this prototype phase, this does not prevent you from being considered for future opportunities. CaTHC may also hold your EOI in reserve and contact you if a suitable opportunity becomes available through a future round, if you agree to this.

Once the EOI period has closed (5:00pm on 31 August 2026), the CaTHC Board of Directors will review and consider all eligible EOIs.  EOIs will be assessed using the information provided on EOI form.  The CaTHC Board of Directors may wish to meet with shortlisted groups to clarify certain details before making their decision.

Following yarns with some groups, the CaTHC Board of Directors will determine the successful CLGs for this prototype phase.  All groups, both successful and unsuccessful, will be notified of the outcome. 

CaTHC is seeking a two-year commitment from CLGs.  CaTHC is looking for groups who are committed to and excited about improving the health and wellbeing of the whole population within their community.  If successful during this prototype phase, CLGs will:

• Engage with community members to understand local priorities.
• Help identify ideas that could improve health and wellbeing.
• Recommend initiatives for funding over the coming two years.
• Work with CaTHC to learn what is working and what can be improved.

CaTHC will walk alongside the CLGs throughout the prototype phase, and provide support tailored to each group.  This may include:

• Orientation to the prototype phase and the role of the CLG.
• Support to engage community members and identify local priorities.
• Provide access to relevant information, data and evidence to inform decision-making.
• Facilitation, governance and conflict of interest support where needed.
• Practical tools, templates and guidance to help groups assess ideas and make funding recommendations.
• Facilitating opportunities to share experiences and learn alongside other CLGs.
• Support to track progress, capture stories and reflect on what is working well and what could be improved.

The purpose of this support is not to make decisions for CLGs. The role of CaTHC is to help CLGs undertake their role, make informed decisions, and learn together what a strong community-led grantmaking model could look like across the Cape, NPA and Torres Strait.

Yes. CaTHC understands that circumstances can change. If your group needs to withdraw, please let CaTHC know as early as possible so we can talk through the situation and agree on the next steps together.