New toolkit to empower Aboriginal communities and local councils to Close the Gap
A new toolkit to support local councils and Aboriginal organisations to Close the Gap will be developed by Local Government NSW with the support of Aboriginal Affairs NSW and NSW Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisations (NSW CAPO).
Aboriginal Affairs NSW is providing $176,000 funding for the initiative, which will equip local councils to work more effectively with Aboriginal organisations and communities to Close the Gap on a local level.
The resources will include guidance for local council staff about how to work in partnership with Aboriginal organisations and communities on Closing the Gap projects. It will also include a self-assessment tool and case studies of where partnerships have been effective.
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 project is a key initiative of the NSW Closing the Gap Partnership Agreement, which Aboriginal Affairs NSW, NSW CAPO and Local Government NSW signed in February 2024.
It aligns with ‘Priority Reform 1, ‘formal partnership and shared decision making’, from the National Agreement on Closing the Gap,
Local Government NSW will develop the 'Partnership strengthening toolkit for local councils' over the next 12 months.
Signing of the Closing the Gap Partnership Agreement - Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris, Co-Chair NSW Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisations, John Leha, Premier Chris Minns and LGNSW President, Cr Darriea Turley AM
Deputy Secretary of Aboriginal Affairs NSW Shane Hamilton said:
“This new toolkit will help local government officials understand how they can empower and support Aboriginal communities to Close the Gap.
“Closing the Gap initiatives work best when they are delivered in partnership with Aboriginal people and communities.
“To make real change in Closing the Gap, all levels of government – local, state and federal - must work together, in true partnership with Aboriginal people and communities.
“Closing the Gap will strengthen our society, economy, culture and communities.”
Local Government NSW President, Cr Darriea Turley AM said:
“Local councils plan their services to cater for the specific needs and aspirations of their communities and are already doing some amazing work with local Indigenous communities.”
“This toolkit will become an invaluable resource and is a real win for the communities councils represent. It will enhance councils’ knowledge, understanding and capabilities to support progress in Closing the Gap priority reforms and socio-economic indicators.”
“Councils have long expressed interest in being better supported to contribute to Closing the Gap, so it’s wonderful to be working on this important project.
“The NSW partnership agreement, to which LGNSW is a signatory along with NSW CAPO and AANSW, has helped bring the Closing the Gap toolkit project to life.
“I look forward to working collaboratively with AANSW and the NSW CAPO teams and seeing councils engaging with the development and use of the toolkit over the next 12 months and beyond.”