Talayah (4) and dad Horace Yeatman at Yarrabah, Australia’s biggest Aboriginal township
A new Local Thriving Communities Action Plan has been launched by the Department of Seniors, Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships supporting “self-determination, equality and culture” for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Welcoming the Plan, the Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Craig Crawford described it as a “significant, long-term reform”.
“We recognise that the greatest progress is achieved when First Nations people lead the way,” Mr Crawford said.
“Traditionally, Government has taken a top-down approach to decision making,” he said.
“The Action Plan we have released today is the next significant milestone in the reform journey.
“The Action Plan sets out workable solutions underpinned by the principles of self-determination, participation, equality and culture.
Mr Crawford said the Local Thriving Communities was a different approach which drew on the strengths of community and culture working together with First Nations leaders and communities to co‑design and implement reform, and establish Local Decision-Making Bodies.
He said that in the Western Cape York Aboriginal township of Mapoon, the LTC approach is demonstrated by the Deadly Youth Leadership & Cultural Program, a holiday program for young people.
“The program commences in July 2022 with a series of 5-day On Country programs and 5-day music programs and concludes with a Community Showcase in July 2023, when participants can perform for the community,” Mr Crawford said.
Co-Chair of the Local Thriving Communities Joint Coordinating Committee, Waanyi (North Gunnalunja) woman Kelly Barclay, applauded the efforts of those involved in developing the LTC Action Plan.
“It is a plan that shifts ways of thinking, doing, and one that will impact First Nations people within my lifetime, and effect changes for local and state government,’’ Ms Barclay said.
More information about Local Thriving Communities can be accessed at this PS News link.
