A collective of Aboriginal organisations recently formalised a partnership to Close the Gap on a local level in western Sydney.
After signing a memorandum of understanding late last year at Blackett, near Mount Druitt, the 11 organisations have formed the the Greater Western Sydney Ngaliya Partnership.
Dharug for "together/you and me", the Ngaliya Partnership, a place-based partnership established through the National and State Closing the Gap initiative, aims to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the Greater Western Sydney area.
Approximately five percent of Australia's Aboriginal population lives in Western Sydney, with the Ngaliya Partnership seeking to provide a strong, coordinated, and united voice to address issues affecting Aboriginal peoples in the area.
These include health, youth, aged care, education, housing, employment, legal equity, culture and heritage, protection of land and waters, language, child and family supports, disability, social justice, economic development and promoting respect for human rights.
Blackett's Marrin Weejali Aboriginal Corporation is one of the signatory organisations, with chief executive officer, Tony Hunter, saying the partnership "represents a powerful step forward for our communities".
"By coming together, we are not only addressing the immediate challenges but also fostering a sense of unity and resilience," Mr Hunter said.
"This collaboration is a testament to our collective strength and our unwavering commitment to Closing the Gap for future generations."
The initiative is supported by Aboriginal Affairs NSW and the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris, who attended and witnessed the signing of the memorandum of understanding.
Following the signing, Link-Up (NSW) Aboriginal Corporation chair and long time western Sydney community member, Aunty Lizzie May, said it was "such a privilege to be a part of this special day".
"This deadly partnership has been a long time coming, and I look forward to seeing the positive outcomes led by our Mob in community," Aunty Lizzie said.
The Ngaliya Partnership is the state's second place based partnership following the signing of the Tamworth Coalition of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (TACCO) last July.
Ngroo Education Aboriginal Corporation executive director, Krystle Daley, said combining local Aboriginal Community Controlled Corporations and organisations who work with Aboriginal peoples from the Greater Western Sydney brings "all voices together as one".
"It has also strengthened us to address the current issues we are all facing and enables us to continually support each other in Closing the Gap as a collective because we can't do this alone," Ms Daley said.
Butucarbin Aboriginal Corporation's Aunty Jenny Beale and Uncle Jack Gibson also commended the initiative.
"The GWS Ngaliya partnership will privilege the often unheard Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voice, enacting Aboriginal self-determination to make a collective contribution to Closing the Gap," they said.
The NSW government said the signing of formal place Based partnerships and agreements such as the Ngaliya Partnership is a key Closing the Gap outcome under Priority Reform 1: Formal partnerships and shared decision-making.
