A new partnership in Western Australia's East Kimberley region is aiming to transform outcomes for Aboriginal children and families; a move local leaders hope will mark a genuine turning point under the national Closing the Gap framework.

Dubbed the East Kimberley Little Footprints Big Futures Partnership, the initiative unites federal and state governments, local Aboriginal organisations, and regional shires.

The agreement focuses on the critical early years of life—from before birth through age seven—a period local communities say is vital for long-term health.

Federal Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy said the partnership reflects a broader shift in how governments work toward Closing the Gap targets.

"This agreement sets a new standard for genuine partnership," Senator McCarthy said.

"It's driven by community priorities and shared decision-making, and shows the impact of working together."

WA Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch echoed the sentiment, adding that the partnership recognises the leadership of Aboriginal communities in the East Kimberley.

"This agreement is about recognising the leadership of East Kimberley Aboriginal communities," Mr Punch said.

"They know what's best for their children and families."

For too long, education decisions in the region had been made without enough local input from Aboriginal organisations, according to Federal Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek.

"This partnership changes that," Ms Pilbersek said.

"Now, Aboriginal communities will have a direct say in how services for their children are planned, delivered, and measured."

WA Early Childhood Minister Sabine Winton highlighted that aligning services with what the community wants is key.

"By investing early and aligning services around community-led priorities, we are strengthening the foundations that help children and their families thrive," Ms Winton said.

Binarri-binyja yarrawoo Aboriginal Corporation chair Sally Martin stressed that community leadership will be central to the partnership's success.

"In the East Kimberley, real change happens when community leads and governments work alongside us," Ms Martin said.

The partnership is set to focus on everything from birth outcomes and early learning to housing, culture, and language.

It also gives Aboriginal communities a formal role in shaping and delivering services, with hopes of speeding up progress on Closing the Gap targets across Kununurra, Wyndham, and Halls Creek.