CQUniversity Rockhampton this week hosted a regional launch of the LEAP strategy, which is designed to help  'close the gap' for Central Queensland's Indigenous youth and adults.

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Curtis Pitt was present to officially launch LEAP, which stands for Learning, Earning, Active Places.

Minister Curtis Pitt with CQUniversity representatives at the LEAP launch, L-R Mary McLeod, Melinda Mann-Yasso and Stacey Doyle

Mr Pitt announced that funding of $900,000 is available for programs in all regions of Queensland to support closing the gap in each community. He said $128,570 is available to groups in Central Queensland.

Minister for Sport Phil Reeves has already allocated $1 million across the state so that local groups can encourage participation in sport and recreation as part of the strategy.

"The funding is available under the new LEAP strategy which focuses on 20 actions across government to close the gap in areas such as employment, health, education, housing, sport, community care and early childhood development," Mr Pitt said.

"It is a place-based strategy, acknowledging that the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living here in Central Queensland are different to the needs of people living in remote communities, and LEAP reflects those differences.

"A 'one size fits all' approach will not close the gap."

Minister Curtis Pitt launches the LEAP strategy

Mr Pitt said the actions that flowed from LEAP had the potential to make a real difference to the lives of the 113,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders who lived in cities, towns and regional centres.

"Many of these people helped shape the new LEAP strategy by setting out their priorities for action - priorities that will create training and job opportunities and deliver better housing, education and health outcomes, including sport and recreation," he said.

Mr Pitt was speaking at the Central Queensland deadly stories event at CQUniversity's CQ Community Sports Centre, where Mr NAIDOC 2011 Dylan Mann and Ms NAIDOC 2011 Zandralee Anderson related their challenges and triumphs.

The Minister said the deadly stories campaign was part of the LEAP strategy.

"We want all Queenslanders to know that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are leaders and achievers, and importantly, crucial to our shared culture," he said.

"It's all about sharing our challenges and triumphs and spreading the news so that all Queenslanders can see the great contribution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make to our state every day," he said.

Minister Curtis Pitt launches the LEAP strategy

Priorities for Central Queensland communities in the LEAP strategy including Maryborough, Hervey Bay, Eidsvold, Barcaldine, Mount Morgan are:

- Early childhood: Promote the benefits of early childhood education.

- Economic participation: Enhance business and employment opportunities by working in partnership with the corporate sector and improve the literacy and numeracy skills of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have been involved in the criminal justice system.

- Health: Increase participation in sport and recreation activities.

- Safe communities: Increase the number of people accessing services through the Police Citizens Youth Club.

Member for Rockhampton Robert Schwarten said the common thread was grassroots action and that's where LEAP has a role for everyone - young and old, city and country, government, community and private sector.

"The Queensland Government is committed to closing the gap to ensure Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders have access to the same opportunities and choices," he said.

"Part of this is also promoting the positive achievements of people in our cities, towns and regional centres."