What is OCHRE?
OCHRE is the NSW Government’s longest-standing, community-led strategy for Aboriginal affairs.
It was developed in consultation with more than 2,700 Aboriginal people across NSW and launched in 2013. OCHRE set clear expectations for how government should work with Aboriginal people, including shared decision making, local solutions and respect for Aboriginal knowledge.
While OCHRE is best known for its programs and initiatives, the overarching aim was to:
commit government to ongoing changes to its relationship with Aboriginal communities to achieve improvements to Aboriginal peoples wellbeing.
Page 12, OCHRE 2013 Plan
Development of a new OCHRE
After more than a decade, evaluations show that OCHRE created strong foundations to support the plans original aim through community-led programs and partnerships.
Evaluations also show the transformational aim was devolved throughout government implementation, and that a clearer, long-term strategy is needed to strengthen government change so Aboriginal communities can reach their aspirations.
A new OCHRE will build on this foundation and support a more consistent, whole-of-government approach. The new OCHRE will:
- Strengthen the NSW Government’s commitment to OCHRE’s original aim
- Establish a long-term, whole-of-government strategy
- Set clear principles for how agencies are expected to work with Aboriginal people
- Maintain a commitment to transparency, accountability and ongoing community-led evaluation
OCHRE Principles
The new OCHRE will be guided by principles that reflect the strengths, knowledge and diversity of Aboriginal people and communities.
These principles were developed by the Jumbunna Institute at the University of Technology Sydney, with support from an international Indigenous expert panel and consultation with Aboriginal artists.
The suggested OCHRE principles are:
- Aboriginal leadership
- Aboriginal diversity
- Aboriginal healing
- Aboriginal excellence
- Aboriginal knowledge, expertise and experience
Aboriginal Affairs NSW is exploring these principles with Aboriginal people and communities in NSW as part of developing the new OCHRE.
How you can stay updated
Aboriginal Affairs NSW will work with Aboriginal people, communities, organisations and government agencies to develop the new OCHRE.
Early engagement will begin in mid 2026, focusing on the OCHRE principles.
To stay updated on the development of a new OCHRE, including how you can be involved, sign up to the Aboriginal Affairs NSW e-newsletter.
About OCHRE initiatives
The first OCHRE plan included several initiatives developed based on community consultation. These initiatives continue to have an impact in schools, communities and regions across NSW.
The OCHRE initiatives are:
Aboriginal Language and Cultural Nests
These aim to revitalise traditional Aboriginal languages and cultural knowledge in schools. Led by NSW Education in partnership with the Aboriginal Educational Consultive Group.
Connected Communities
Designed to strengthen educational outcomes for Aboriginal students. Key points include holistic learning, co-design and collaboration, community engagement and more.
Local Decision Making (LDM)
Learn how this enables local-regional Aboriginal Communities to shape the services that affect them. Also Aboriginal Regional Alliances, NCARA, Accords and more.
Opportunity Hubs
These provide supported pathways for young people through primary school, high school, further training, and into the workforce.