In regional New South Wales, the Mara Ngali Partnership Agreement is making history. Meaning “our two hands” in Gomeroi language, this initiative is the first formal collaboration between a local council and Indigenous organizations to address Closing the Gap at a community-driven level.
Pat Turner, lead convener of the Coalition of Peaks, emphasized its significance: “This is what self-determination looks like-our people driving change, with governments walking alongside us.”
Under the agreement, Aboriginal employment, economic development, health, education, and housing are embedded directly into council planning. Unlike past government-led approaches, this model ensures Indigenous leaders steer policy decisions, making implementation more effective.
A Scalable Solution for Australasia
While this initiative is currently shaping policy in New South Wales, experts believe it could serve as a blueprint across Australia and New Zealand. Indigenous-led governance models could strengthen economic opportunities, housing accessibility, and healthcare systems, ensuring policy decisions directly reflect the needs of local communities.
Marc Sutherland, the first Gomeroi person elected to Tamworth Council, stressed the importance of collaboration: “Aboriginal communities have been pushing for partnerships with government for decades. Having a formal partnership where we can establish that relationship in a positive way is a massive step forward.”
For lasting change, businesses, policymakers, and community leaders can embrace co-designed models that prioritize Indigenous voices. Strengthening accountability frameworks and resource-sharing will be key in making these partnerships effective beyond individual regions.
Reference:
ABC News:
