Welcome to AFL Cape York House – Boys

AFL Cape York House – Boys aims to provide educational, employment and training opportunities for Indigenous males from Far North Queensland’s most remote communities in a culturally appropriate, safe and secure residential environment to ensure every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential. AFLCYH has established partnerships with nine secondary schools in Cairns. Whilst attending our partner schools, students are supported in their educational and pastoral care needs. Our cohort are mentored and supported in education and life skills with the aim of accessing higher education, employment and training opportunities post-secondary education.

AFLCYH boarding experience is educational in a way that’s not singularly focused on academia but on co-curricular activities as well as teaching life skills. Boarding here is a holistic opportunity. AFLCYH builds on self-identity, worth and growth. Success is achieved when individuals can demonstrate their uniqueness while aspiring to achieve their best in academic, sporting, cultural and personal pursuits.

It is AFLCYH’s charter to anticipate individuals’ needs and promote engagement throughout boarding-life. Our engagement philosophy centres on activities that promote social justice, education, civic wellbeing and fostering a strong sense of community spirit.

Welcome to AFL Cape York House – Boys

AFL Cape York House – Boys aims to provide educational, employment and training opportunities for Indigenous males from Far North Queensland’s most remote communities in a culturally appropriate, safe and secure residential environment to ensure every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential. AFLCYH has established partnerships with nine secondary schools in Cairns. Whilst attending our partner schools, students are supported in their educational and pastoral care needs. Our cohort are mentored and supported in education and life skills with the aim of accessing higher education, employment and training opportunities post-secondary education.

AFLCYH boarding experience is educational in a way that’s not singularly focused on academia but on co-curricular activities as well as teaching life skills. Boarding here is a holistic opportunity. AFLCYH builds on self-identity, worth and growth. Success is achieved when individuals can demonstrate their uniqueness while aspiring to achieve their best in academic, sporting, cultural and personal pursuits.

It is AFLCYH’s charter to anticipate individuals’ needs and promote engagement throughout boarding-life. Our engagement philosophy centres on activities that promote social justice, education, civic wellbeing and fostering a strong sense of community spirit.

Where to find us

AFL Cape York House – Boys is a 48-bed residential boarding facility located in the centre of Cairns.  The facility is home to young Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders from Far North Queensland and the Northern Territory’s most remote communities. The facility was constructed in 2012 and opened in January 2013. AFLCYHB is a facility that can feel like home with a basketball court, music room and football energy so students can expend some energy as well as an indoor recreation room and fully functioning gym, oh and not to forget our 8m boat as part of the AFL Cape York Marine Program used to stay connected to country. These spaces allow our students plenty of time to interact, share positive experiences and separate from the regular boarding environment of routine, school and study. AFLCYH also has a fully resourced classroom that enables our young men to continue their learning after school finishes.

Our Team

Kane Richter

Boarding Manager

After being born in Victoria, Kane spent the first two years of his life living on Groote Eylandt in NT due to his father being a prawn trawler skipper.

Peter Cushway

Careers & Transitions Officer

Peter grew up in Adelaide until moving to Cairns in 2013. He owned a small business (CD shop) and then went into politics for 10 years.

Jeda Nash

Business Support Coordinator

Jeda started with AFL Cape York House for Boys in 2018 and has seen our organisation grow with the addition of our new girls House facility.

Tristine Lear

Student Wellbeing Coordinator

Amanda Black

Transition Teacher

Jason Tom

Boarding Coordinator

Contact Information

AFL Cape York House – Boys Boarding Manager Kane Richter

AFL Cape York House – for Boys

Keep up to date with us

Applications now open in the boys boarding for 2024

AFL Cape York House – for Boys