The Woodward Family CaPTA Group (CaPTA) commenced operations in 1976 in Far North Queensland and is a tourism operation that employs over 200 staff. CaPTA comprises eight tourism-related businesses, tourist parks, coach companies and a registered training organisation.
With the ultimate goal of increasing long-term Indigenous employment within the region, CaPTA has implemented a number of initiatives and programs ranging from an Indigenous Employment Strategy, and Structured Training and Employment Project within CaPTA, to involvement within the Queensland Tourism Industry Council’s Indigenous Champions Network, and supporting the Australian Employment Covenant to reduce Indigenous poverty. These initiatives include the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience at Rainforestation Nature Park, and training opportunities provided by its registered training organisation, Careers Training Centre.
For example, Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience has seen outstanding results. As at 31 March 2017, Pamagirri performed almost 20,000 times, welcomed 2,675,000 visitors, and paid over $8 million in wages and salaries to members of Pamagirri. In addition, over the 24 years of operation, more than 25 Pamagirri members have achieved long service leave.
Careers Training Centre has also launched an Indigenous Engagement Program in partnership with Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas, offering hospitality training and paid positions to successful applicants.