Wiradjuri Condobolin Corporation boss Ally Coe says community are choosing their own path — one decided for themselves, with a common goal for their children and families.
It's one they've long deserved, he said, as the local community in central west New South Wales establishes new Aboriginal-led decision-making and service delivery initiatives.
On Tuesday, the Corporation (WCC) launched its Aboriginal Community-Controlled Mechanism (ACCM) and Aboriginal-led Commissioning (ALC) services; a structure of local stakeholders as decision-makers on their own priorities and solutions with a community kitchen connection Elders, emerging leaders and young people.
The kitchen is also intended to act as an information pathway to connect families with other supports.
"The strength of this program lies in what it unlocks between organisations, the kind of deep collaboration over time that our community has long needed, and that our children and amilies have always deserved," Mr Coe said ahead of the launch.
"Too many communities have felt the impact of organisations pulling in different directions. In Condobolin, we are choosing a different path — one built on genuine partnership, shared effort and a common goal."
The model is designed to give the community greater control for children and families, informed by their knowledge, relationships and self-determined solutions.
Priorities for Condobolin were identified though yarning as well as Elder, family, young people and present local service engagement.
NSW's child, family and community state peak AbSec partnered with WCC at the strategic level to develop the ACCM and ALC.
Community engagement identified three key needs: stronger leadership pathways, improved needs-focused health and wellbeing services and practical support for food security and youth development.
AbSec says they will not direct the WCC's road ahead, their support instead backing the ACCO's in their self-determination.
WCC's ACCM has been led by local women as its founding members.
"Across NSW, it is Aboriginal women — grandmothers, aunties and nans — who have come together to ensure their voices, their experiences are at the heart of the responses to the needs of our communities and families" AbSec chief executive John Leha said.
"Being part of the care continuum is not easy work.
"When you talk about living with the vicarious trauma, that has impacted Aboriginal people over time, it's no longer about talking about what's wrong, it's about being part of the solution."
Tuesday's event also saw the launch of Galari Horticulture seedbank and nursery, from WCC and Evolution Mining company joint-venture Galari Agricultural Company (GAC).
Local organisations, schools, ACCOs and members of the wider community attended the launch.