Welcome to AFL Cape York House – Girls

AFL Cape York House – for Girls (AFLCYHG) aims to provide educational, employment and training opportunities for Indigenous girls 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. AFLCYHG 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 high education, employment and training opportunities post-secondary education.

The AFLCYHG 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. AFLCYHG 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 AFLCYHG’s charter to anticipate individual girls’ 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 – Girls

AFL Cape York House – for Girls (AFLCYHG) aims to provide educational, employment and training opportunities for Indigenous girls 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. AFLCYHG 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 high education, employment and training opportunities post-secondary education.

The AFLCYHG 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. AFLCYHG 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 AFLCYHG’s charter to anticipate individual girls’ 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 – for Girls is a 50-bed residential boarding facility located in Redlynch, approximately 15 minutes from Cairns CBD. Located at the foot of Redlynch Valley, 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 2018 and opened in January 2019. AFLCYHG is a teenager’s haven, with a 12m pool onsite, half-court basketball court, outdoor amphitheatre (movie wall) as well as an indoor Recreation Room and fully functioning gym. 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. AFLCYHG also has a fully resourced classroom that enables our young girls to continue their learning, after the school day finishes.

AFLCYHG believe that our students are future elders. We believe that through positive relationships, life experience and individual support, in education, wellbeing and life skills, our girls will transition successfully into whatever it is they want to be/do.  Our girls have the opportunity to shape a better world and our role at AFLCYHG is to provide an environment that supports, cares and nurtures our girls through this transition to become proud, committed, united and successful young women.

Our Team

Sean Hunter

Boarding Manager

I have been Boarding Manager since the facility opened in January 2019. Prior to AFLCYHG, I was the Game Development Manager of AFL Cape York.

Sodyla Kris

Business Support Coordinator

I was born and raised in Cairns with connections to Mabuiag Island, Darnley Island, Fiji, Tonga, Old Mapoon, Papua New Guinea and Jamaica.

Megan Hooper

Transition Teacher

Peter Cushway

Careers & Transition's Teacher

I started with AFLCY in 2018 as a Residential Boarding Supervisor and the transitioned into the role of Careers and Pathways Coordinator.

Luana Healey

Student Wellbeing Coordinator

I’m a Guru Gulu Gunggandji woman from Yarrabah. I also have connections to Hammond Island, New Plymouth and Papua New Guinea.

Angie Bowie

Boarding Coordinator

I have been a part of AFL Cape York for many years - firstly as a student and then in roles such as; coaching, volunteering and employment as RBS.

Chantelle McAlonan

Student Support Officer

I started at the Girls house in 2021 as Social Worker Student doing my final placement and then moved into the role of Student Support Officer.

Contact Information

AFL Cape York House – for Girls Boarding Manager, Sean Hunter

AFL Cape York House – for Girls

Keep up to date with us

Applications now open in the girls boarding for 2024

AFL Cape York House – for Girls