New Action Plan to allow First Nations communities to thrive

Published Monday, 13 June, 2022 at 09:00 AM

Minister for Seniors and Disability Services and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships
The Honourable Craig Crawford

Talayah Yeatman, 4, and her dad Horace Yeatman, 34, a Gunggandji man, live in Yarrabah, Australia’s biggest Aboriginal township, an hour’s drive from Cairns. "I just want the best future for my kids,’’ Mr Yeatman said. “We’ve got the best of both worlds, our traditional ways living with culture, hunting and fishing, and the modern world. I think our story is a positive one.”

Talayah Yeatman, 4, and her dad Horace Yeatman, 34, a Gunggandji man, live in Yarrabah, Australia’s biggest Aboriginal township, an hour’s drive from Cairns. "I just want the best future for my kids,’’ Mr Yeatman said. “We’ve got the best of both worlds, our traditional ways living with culture, hunting and fishing, and the modern world. I think our story is a positive one.”

The Palaszczuk Government has today released the Local Thriving Communities Action Plan to support “self-determination, equality and culture” for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Craig Crawford said the LTC Action Plan is a significant, long-term reform.

“We recognise that the greatest progress is achieved when First Nations people lead the way,” Mr Crawford said.

“Traditionally, government has taken a top-down approach to decision making,” he said.

“The Action Plan we have released today is the next significant milestone in the reform journey.

“It sets out workable solutions underpinned by the principles of self-determination, participation, equality and culture.

“Local Thriving Communities is a different approach, which draws on the strengths of community and culture, working together with First Nations leaders and communities to co‑design and implement reform, and establish Local Decision-Making Bodies.”

In the Western Cape York Aboriginal township of Mapoon, the LTC approach is demonstrated by the Deadly Youth Leadership & Cultural Program, a holiday program for young people.

“Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council will receive $165,000 over 12 months for the social reinvestment program” said Mr Crawford.

“The program commences in July 2022 with a series of 5-day On Country programs and 5-day music programs and concludes with a Community Showcase in July 2023, when participants can perform for the community.”

Local Thriving Communities Joint Coordinating Committee Co-Chair, Waanyi (North Gunnalunja) woman Kelly Barclay, applauded the efforts of those involved in developing the Local Thriving Communities Action Plan.

“It is a plan that shifts ways of thinking, doing, and one that will impact First Nations people within my lifetime, and effect changes for local and state government,’’ she said.

For more information about Local Thriving Communities, visit Local Thriving Communities - Department of Seniors, Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships (dsdsatsip.qld.gov.au)


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Media contact: Peter Michael 0477 948 091