Historic ‘Mara Ngali’ agreement brings Closing the Gap to local government for the first time
Representatives from Tamworth Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (TACCO) and Tamworth Regional Council came together on Friday morning for an historic ceremony celebrating the first time in Australia that a local council has signed a formal partnership with an Aboriginal community-controlled organisation to work together on Closing the Gap.
It is hoped the Place Based Partnership will inspire other communities looking to take action to Close the Gap on a local level through Aboriginal-led solutions.
Mara Ngali means ‘our two hands’ in the Gomeroi language.
This new agreement builds on the strength of Tamworth Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (TACCO) to improve outcomes for Aboriginal people living in Tamworth.
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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.
TACCO board member and Chairperson of Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Services, Catherine Trindall, told those attending that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must determine, drive and own the desired outcomes, alongside all governments.
“This new way of working requires governments to build on the strong foundation of the members of TACCO, and our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, through our deep connection to family, community and culture.”
Catherine Trindall, Gomeroi woman and TACCO board member
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"As no other Council has moved into this, we’re setting the path moving forward.
I believe that this approach of working in partnership with our local Aboriginal community is the approach that all local governments will take moving forward, and it’s such a proud moment to be a part of."
Marc Sutherland, Gomeroi man and Tamworth Councillor
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TACCO and Tamworth Council will work together to develop a local-level Closing the Gap Implementation Plan, which will include a list of actions.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris, congratulated TACCO and Tamworth Council on the new partnership.
“This is the first time that a local council has signed a formal agreement with a local Aboriginal community-controlled organisation to work together on Closing the Gap,” said Minister Harris.
“It is a model for how local communities can bring the National Agreement on Closing the Gap into effect at a local level, where it can have a huge impact on the ground.”
David Harris, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty
“Closing the Gap initiatives are most effective when they are designed, led and implemented by Aboriginal communities. Aboriginal people know what works best for their communities to Close the Gap and the success of the TACCO partnership demonstrates this.”
“The NSW Government is proud to support the work of TACCO as the first Closing the Gap Place Based Partnership in NSW. The partnership provides a framework for self-determination and shared decision making for Aboriginal communities and organisations in Tamworth.”