The Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris visited Tamworth (Gomeroi Land) today to sign a new partnership to empower local Aboriginal organisations to drive positive outcomes in their community.
Under the new ‘Place-based Partnership’, Tamworth-based Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations will form a coalition to improve health, education, housing and legal outcomes for Aboriginal people living in Tamworth, in partnership with the NSW Government.
The formation of the new Tamworth Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (TACCO) will see Community and government work together more closely to support closing the gap on a local level.
The NSW Government’s support for the new partnership reflects its commitments under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, which prioritises ‘formal partnerships and shared decision making’.
Closing the Gap is a national commitment to improve outcomes for Aboriginal people in health, education, employment, economic participation, incarceration, housing, land rights and language.
The TACCO signing organisations comprised: Tamworth Local Aboriginal Land Council, Tamworth and Armidale Aboriginal Children Services, Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Services – Aboriginal Corporation, Tamworth Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group and Birrelee Multifunctional Aboriginal Children’s Service – Aboriginal Corporation.
Tamworth was chosen for a Place-Based Partnership due to its strong governance structure and the community’s passion to improve outcomes for Aboriginal people.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:
“Closing the Gap is about empowering local Aboriginal communities to drive shared decision-making and self-determination. We know there are better outcomes when Aboriginal organisations and people design, lead and implement Closing the Gap initiatives.
“Working together on a local level to Close the Gap makes sense. Local Aboriginal organisations know their communities and are best placed to develop solutions. The Tamworth project is an excellent example of this.
“Today's event is about local organisations coming together to achieve a better future for Aboriginal people in the Tamworth Local Government Area.
“The NSW Government is proud to support the work TACCO is doing for the community of Tamworth and believe we can use the future successes of this Partnership as a great example to other communities in the state.”
Chairperson, Tamworth Local Aboriginal Land Council Daisy Cutmore said:
"The Tamworth Coalition of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations empowers our community to shape its future in realistic terms by empowering local ACCOs to unite and work together to address the most significant identified needs that include health, housing, education and emotional wellbeing, especially for our Elders and Youth."
Chief Executive Officer, Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Service - Aboriginal Corporation Damion Brown said:
“The Tamworth Coalition of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations is one of the most significant and proactive groups in Tamworth for our community."
“My time working with the The Tamworth Coalition of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, the unity and commitment demonstrated has been a powerful step towards Closing the Gaps in our community.”
NSW Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisations (NSW CAPO) Co-Chairperson John Leha said:
"NSW Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisations are thrilled with the announcement of the establishment of the Tamworth Coalition of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (through the Closing the Gap Place-Based Partnership initiative."
“This MOU between TACCO, Tamworth Regional Council and NSW Government aims to significantly improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living within the Tamworth LGA and marks a significant and positive step forward for our community."
NSW CAPO Co-Chairperson Charles Lynch said:
"The National Place Based Partnership approach sets a new framework for collaboration with the Aboriginal communities. We are excited about MOU developed between our local ACCO coalition TACCO, Local and State Government here in Tamworth and the positive impact this is designed to have on improving local outcomes.
"We look forward to a future where our efforts lead to improved outcomes for First Nations Peoples and Communities in Tamworth. Together, we are making a significant step towards a brighter future."
MEDIA: Matt Porter| Minister Harris | 0407 239 578
The NSW Government is delivering on its ongoing commitment to revitalise Aboriginal Languages, with the announcement of more than $4 million in grants to fund 74 Aboriginal Language projects across the state.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris has announced a $225,000 grant to support an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation to deliver services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the south of the Central Coast.
