Partnership Community Engagement Framework Update
22 July 2008The Department of Aboriginal Affairs is to expand its work with partnership communities with funding announced for 20 new staff to work in the partnership communities.
Partnership Community Project Officers will be working throughout the 40 partnership communities, and will be consulting regularly with local Aboriginal groups and Elders.
Partnership Community Engagement Groups will be established and supported to work with government agencies to implement the program in their communities. Wherever possible, Partnership Community Engagement Groups will build on existing community structures to ensure ongoing sustainability.
The Partnership Community Engagement Groups will need to meet the principles of the Partnership Community Engagement Framework to ensure credibility and community and government confidence. A state-wide consultation with Aboriginal communities across NSW is currently underway to develop the Framework in close collaboration with the NSW Aboriginal Peak Bodies.
Consultations have been held in Broken Hill, Bateman's Bay, Albury and Taree with around 30 participants at each workshop.
Generally the Framework has been well received with each session revealing a strong belief that where existing structures are working they should not be replaced or duplicated. It is clear that many communities have good governance arrangements in place as a result of hard work and dedication over a number of years. It is equally clear that other communities would benefit from a Framework reflecting best practice across NSW and a Government commitment to work in partnership with Aboriginal communities in a consistent manner.
In the coming weeks further consultations will be held in Tamworth, Lismore, Dubbo and Walgett.
