Amanda Corcoran (Parkes TRRA representative) said the focus is to build strong partnerships between government and non-government sectors.

“The aim is to build a capacity within communities to work in partnership with government and vice versa,” Amanda said.

“This in turn will enable these communities to identify issues and priorities which drive negotiated local responses and localise accountability.”

The Three Rivers Regional Assembly (TRRA) alliance was formed in February following a meeting between representatives from the Local Lands Council and Aboriginal Community Working Parties throughout the north west Wiradjuri Country.

A total of 12 communities are part of the TRRA including Parkes, Bathurst, Orange, Wellington, Dubbo, Narromine, Gilgandra, Peak Hill, Mudgee, Trangie, Nyngan and Warren.

“Together they were successful with an Expression of Interest for the Local Decision Making program under the “OCHRE” policy which is a State Government Plan for Aboriginal affairs,” Amanda said.

(OCHRE stands for opportunity, choice, healing, responsibility, empowerment).

“Key issues raised at the most recent meeting with TRRA by the Parkes Aboriginal Community centred on the service delivery areas of Aboriginal employment opportunities and housing, particularly the availability of affordable flats or houses,” Amanda said.

The TRRA road trip will visit each of their 12 communities during August to consult with community and identify local issues. 

“Representatives are committed to working in partnership with Aboriginal Affairs and the NSW Government in responding to the needs of Aboriginal Communities in the Central West and they look forward to meeting with each of the communities,” Amanda said.

The next meetings will be held in Orange and Bathurst.