First Nations organisation Children's Ground has announced a five-year, $9.57 million partnership with the Goodman Foundation.
The partnership will help to scale the organisation's 25-year approach to Indigenous-led education, employment, health, economy, culture, and community wellbeing in Mparntwe/Alice Springs.
Children's Ground Chair, William Tilmouth, said the partnership would empower First Nations communities.
"Long-term relationships are key to systemic change," he said.
"Goodman Foundation's commitment acknowledges this and speaks to their willingness to collaborate and innovate."
The partnership will focus on six key areas: Strengthening and expanding learning delivery for children 0-11 years; supporting the engagement of men in employment, and as role models and leaders; establishing an extended hours and community development program to engage children and young people at risk; protecting First Nations culture and languages and provide support for Elders; supporting organisational capacity; and supporting on-going leadership, evidence, and research opportunities.
Children's Ground chief executive, Jane Vadiveloo said the long-term and "significant funding" enabled the organisation to "continue to facilitate generational change for children and families across five communities in Mparntwe".
"Opportunities for employment, education, safety, health, wellbeing, family, and community activities and cultural life will be improved in the short-term, and together we will strengthen the foundations for generational success in the long-term," Ms Vadiveloo said.
"Children's Ground is grateful for the generosity of the Goodman Foundation, and their extraordinary commitment to making a sustained and tangible difference by backing the leadership and talent of First Nations communities."
Mr Tilmouth said the new relationship would help pave the way for communities in the area to "plan, establish, operate and govern developments from inception through to realisation".
"This is critical in giving First Nations people agency in their lives and having them decide the steps they want their community to take towards the future," he said.
"Crucially, it demonstrates strong regard and recognition of community leadership."
The Goodman Foundation's chief executive, Kris Ashpole, said "through partnerships with Indigenous-led organisations like Children's Ground, the foundation aimed to "accelerate tangible solutions that strengthen communities and enable long term positive change".
"Through our five-year $9.57 million commitment we aim to provide practical support and enable Children's Ground to achieve systemic generational change in Mparntwe communities," she said.
