Aboriginal families in Western New South Wales will soon have increased access to early learning and health screening after construction began on a new Aboriginal Child and Family Centre in Broken Hill.

The project is being delivered in partnership with the local Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation, which was awarded the contract following a competitive open tender process.

Designed to provide integrated, culturally appropriate and needs-based services for Aboriginal families and children, the NSW Government said Aboriginal Child and Family Centres (ACFC) also operate as community hubs, providing universal early learning services for all families, alongside dedicated health and community spaces.

Maari Ma CEO, Richard Weston, said the Centre will support Aboriginal families in the Broken Hill region.

"Maari Ma is proud to be in partnership with the Department of Communities and Justice in the establishment of a new Aboriginal Child and Family Centre in Broken Hill—a major new initiative launched in our 30th anniversary year," Mr Weston said.

"The centre will provide a culturally grounded space focused on early childhood education, development and family wellbeing.

"This is a substantial new direction for Maari Ma, and one that goes to the heart of our purpose—supporting the growth and development of Aboriginal children and their families."

The project is funded through the NSW Government's $100 million ACFC Expansion and Enhancement Program.

NSW Acting Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, Jodie Harrison, said the NSW Government is is committed to closing the gap for Aboriginal families and children "by assuring they receive the essential early education and health services needed in rural communities".

"We know the best way to close the gap is by Aboriginal people shaping and driving outcomes for Aboriginal people," Ms Harrison said.

"Having an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation like Maari Ma run the centre will ensure it can provide culturally appropriate services for Aboriginal families."

The NSW Government says it is reforming the child protection and out-of-home care (OOHC) system, with a goal to address the overrepresentation of Aboriginal children in OOHC.

It says currently, almost 45 per cent of all children in OOHC are Aboriginal, despite being only 3.4 per cent of the state's population.

NSW Minister for Families and Communities, Kate Washington, said Aboriginal Child and Family Centres are "absolute game changers, offering everything young families and children need to thrive".

"It's great to be in Broken Hill with Maari Ma today to kick off this exciting project – working together we're build a centre which will change lives, for generations to come," Ms Washington said.

"By partnering with Maari Ma, a trusted local Aboriginal organisation, we are investing in an Aboriginal-led service to improve outcomes for kids and families in Broken Hill."

Local member for Barwon, Roy Butler, commended Maari Maya, saying the organisation has a "solid history of service provision in the far west".

"They understood far west communities and how to deliver sustainable services in these areas," Mr Butler said.

"This project will assist in strengthening indigenous family relationships and improving access to services."

The government said the ACFC in Broken Hill will "will empower local Aboriginal communities to keep families strong and children safe, thriving and connected".

The Centre is expected to open in early 2027.