$1m investment to help Indigenous communities co-design the future of Barkly

Media release - Minister Wyatt

The Barkly Aboriginal Alliance will be backed by $1 million over four years to ensure Indigenous representatives play a key role in delivering the Barkly Regional Deal – a plan by all governments to improve liveability in the Barkly Region.

The Barkly Regional Alliance represents 11 Aboriginal language groups across the country’s second largest LGA, and as a member of Barkly Regional Deal Governance Table, it has a core role in representing Indigenous communities as the Deal is implemented.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP, said the funding will support governance, employing an Indigenous coordinator to work with Alliance members and their communities to ensure Indigenous voices remain at the table.

“Community representation is fundamental to the delivery of the Barkly Regional Deal,” Minister Wyatt said.

“Embedding Aboriginal representation in the oversight body and providing the resources the Alliance needs to be fully engaged in the Deal’s co-design will lead to better outcomes for Indigenous people living in the area.

“This funding will ensure the Barkly Aboriginal Alliance has the coordination and secretarial support it needs to represent their people, share their knowledge and provide cultural advice on the implementation of the Barkly Regional Deal’s 28 initiatives.”

Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, the Hon Nola Marino MP, said the Deal was squarely focused on meeting the needs and aspirations of the remote communities.

“It’s through all governments and communities working in partnership that we deliver the right kind of social, cultural and economic activities for the people of Barkly.

“I am keen to ensure the Barkly Regional Deal Governance Table is operating effectively and that includes ensuring decision making is guided by a strong local voice. The Barkly Aboriginal Alliance is vitally important in this regard.”

Minister Wyatt said Alliance members will also be key participants in the co-design process for the Remote Engagement Program trial to be established in Tennant Creek over the coming months.

“Having strong Aboriginal voices at the table will help ensure consultations in the region are meaningful and done properly and that programs that go towards achieving the Closing the Gap targets are contextualised and have real impacts on the ground.”

The Barkly Aboriginal Alliance represents the communities of Ali Curung, Alpurrurulam, Ampilatwatja and Outstations, Barkly Tablelands Outstation, Canteen Creek, Elliott, Elliott Surrounds Outstation, Julalikari Outstations, Utopia, Arawerr, Arlparra and Wutunugurra.