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Joint Media Release
Brendan Nelson |
Milton Orkopoulos |
Sam Jeffries
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Minister for Education, Science and Training |
NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs
Minister assisting the Premier for Citizenship |
Chairman, Murdi Paaki Regional Assembly |
Ministers Sign Agreement providing $2 million to assist
Local Aboriginal Communities
26 October 2005
NSW Aboriginal Affairs Minister, Milton Orkopoulos and Federal Education, Science and Training Minister, Brendan Nelson, today announced funding of $2 million over the next two years for the employment of 8 Community Facilitators to help local Aboriginal people implement action plans to tackle the problems facing their communities.
The Murdi Paaki Partnership Project Shared Responsibility Agreement (SRA) was signed by the two Governments, along with representatives from Government agencies and Aboriginal leaders from across the western New South Wales region, on the second day of the 4th Community Working Party Governance Workshop, held in Cobar from 25 – 27 October.
“This agreement sees NSW and Commonwealth Governments responding to community concerns and delivering the support they asked for by agreeing on a clear set of priorities,” said Mr Orkopoulos.
The priorities developed by local Aboriginal communities and agreed to by both Governments are:
- improving the health and well being of children and young people
- improving educational attainment and school retention
- helping families to raise healthy children
- strengthening community and regional governance structures
Dr Nelson said the Community Facilitators will be employed in response to Aboriginal Communities in the Murdi Paaki region wanting to bolster their skills base for the implementation of their Action Plans.
“A genuine commitment from all levels of government to work with local communities makes it much easier to try and find practical solutions to the challenges faced by indigenous Australians,” said Dr Nelson.
“In Aboriginal affairs often the best politics is no politics,” agreed Mr Orkopoulos.
“The Aboriginal community is working hard to address the problems of children’s health and education and 12 of the 15 communities in the region have Action Plans in place.
“The facilitators will provide the advice and support the communities need to put those plans in place,” said Mr Orkopoulos
The 15 Community Working Parties that have signed the agreement are:
The issues of support and agreed priorities were raised with Dr Nelson at the previous Community Working Party Governance Workshop held in April this year.
Dr Nelson thanked all those involved in the months of work, collaboration and partnership between the Australian and State Governments, and the Regional Assembly members.
“Whilst there is much more to be done, this is an encouraging start and reflects a commitment to make a difference to the lives of every member of the local community”.
Sam Jeffries, Chair of the Murdi Paaki Regional Assembly said that a key element of the project was that facilitators would be charged with transferring the skills to the community.
“This will build skills and ensure continued and sustainable community development,” said Mr Jeffries.
The Murdi Paaki Partnership Project SRA will be signed by Mr Jeffries on behalf of the Murdi Paaki Regional Assembly, Minister Orkopoulos on behalf of the NSW government, Ms Lisa Paul, Secretary for the Department of Education Science and Training on behalf of the Australian Government, and the Chairs of the Community Working Parties.
Media Contacts:
Mr Jeffries’ office: 0428 235 590
Dr Brendan Nelson’s office: 0414 927 663
Minister Orkopoulos’ office: 0422 984 299 Melanie Stewart
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