A new, user-friendly resource to help people working with Aboriginal communities in NSW was launched by the NSW Community Services Minister Linda Burney today.
The resource, Working with Aboriginal People and Communities, has been developed to improve service delivery to Aboriginal people by government and non-government staff.
“This guide will help non-Aboriginal staff develop and maintain positive working relationships with Aboriginal communities, and demonstrates the Government’s commitment to improve outcomes for Aboriginal people,” Ms Burney said.
“It provides key facts and information relevant to working with Aboriginal communities in NSW, including background information on the history of Aboriginal people, Aboriginal language group names and nations and Aboriginal concepts of family and community.
It also offers advice on the use of terms such as ‘Indigenous’, ‘Aboriginal’, and ‘Torres Strait Islander’, communication techniques and guidance on how to conduct a Welcome to Country.
A major part of the resource is devoted to Aboriginal community consultation, including how to work with Aboriginal organisations and understanding community structures.
Ms Burney said the guide was in line with the Government’s commitment to better support Aboriginal children and families, as outlined in its recent action plan following Justice Wood’s report of the Inquiry into Child Protection in NSW.
“The Government’s plan, Keep them Safe, stipulates a number of strategies to reduce the alarming number of Aboriginal children and young people in care and to improve outcomes for Aboriginal families,” said Ms Burney.
“These include providing parenting programs targeted at Aboriginal families, improving sexual assault services for Aboriginal children, and increasing the number of Aboriginal student liaison officers to work in Aboriginal communities.
“Justice Wood was very clear that when it comes to placing and supporting Aboriginal children in care, Aboriginal communities need to be more involved.
“All these strategies require not only Community Services but other government departments to work more closely and effectively with Aboriginal communities and organisations.”
Ms Burney said that staff both in Community Services and NGOs sometimes find it difficult to build open and trusting relationships with Aboriginal people, especially given the history of child protection in Aboriginal communities, and the lack of cultural understanding and awareness of effective practice techniques.
“This resource will help staff to break down barriers by offering practical advice and solutions and will help us become more culturally aware and responsive to the needs of Aboriginal people and communities.”
A limited number of copies are available for non-government organisations. Please email requests to Bianca.Jarrett@community.nsw.gov.au. Alternatively a pdf version can be accessed at www.community.nsw.gov.au.