Through Local Decision Making, we have direct access to and relationships with the NSW Government, allowing us to change the way decisions are made for our community. Below you’ll find an outline of the key priority areas we’re focusing on.
Each of these initiatives addresses critical needs within the Aboriginal community and focuses on creating culturally safe, self-sustaining, and community-led services. IRAAC is committed to ensuring these priorities are met through collaboration with the NSW Government and local Aboriginal organisations.
IRAAC proposes the establishment of a community-operated Aboriginal preschool in the southern Illawarra area, providing culturally appropriate education for Aboriginal children aged 3 to 6. This initiative addresses the significant unmet demand for early childhood education within Aboriginal communities, focusing on fostering a strong cultural foundation. The preschool will support local Aboriginal trainees in early childhood education, creating career pathways. IRAAC will lead the scoping study, including community consultation on the design and operating model, and potentially operate the preschool in partnership with local organisations.
The establishment of an Aboriginal Child & Family Centre in the region will provide a culturally safe environment for families with Aboriginal children (Infant-8 years). This initiative aims to address gaps in existing services by offering culturally relevant early childhood education, family support, and maternal and child health services. The ACFC model has proven successful in other parts of NSW, IRAAC intends to commission a scoping study to determine the operating model and design, with the potential for IRAAC to operate the centre or collaborate with local partners.
The proposed Cultural Wellbeing Centre will offer a holistic approach to mental health and substance abuse treatment through culturally competent care, specifically tailored for Aboriginal clients. The centre aims to reduce the disproportionately high rates of alcohol and drug-related harms among Aboriginal communities. IRAAC will commission a scoping study to design the centre's model, focusing on integrating cultural practices into mental health care. The NSW Government’s role will include funding and capital assistance, as well as providing access to Aboriginal health workers and related professionals.
IRAAC envisions a multi-purpose Aboriginal cultural hub based at Killalea Regional Park in Shellharbour, which will support cultural camps, community education, and tourism activities. This initiative seeks to preserve and promote Aboriginal culture through intergenerational knowledge transmission. IRAAC will manage the hub under a joint agreement with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), providing local Aboriginal organizations with the space and resources to offer educational and cultural activities. The government will facilitate access to park lands and support employment for young Aboriginal people in park management.
IRAAC proposes the development of culturally appropriate, safe, and affordable short-term accommodation for Aboriginal individuals and families at risk of homelessness or those visiting the region. The accommodation will address the shortage of housing options for Aboriginal people, allowing them to remain connected with their families and access services. IRAAC will oversee the scoping study and design of the facility, and it will collaborate with local partners to ensure the project aligns with community needs. The government will provide funding for construction and operational costs, as well as support the training of local staff.
To support the delivery of these initiatives, IRAAC proposes the creation of IRAAC Inc., a separate business arm that will manage both commercial and non-commercial operations. This entity will have its own board, with a majority of directors from IRAAC, and will focus on the delivery of projects outlined in this Accord. The NSW Government’s support will be essential for establishing the new entity, including providing governance support and seed funding for the new ventures. IRAAC will oversee the creation of IRAAC Inc., ensuring it operates in line with its strategic goals.
The IRAAC Regional Council will provide a platform for ongoing communication and collaboration between Aboriginal organizations, IRAAC, and the NSW and local governments. This standing committee will monitor the progress of Accord #2 and ensure accountability and transparency in the delivery of services and programs. The council will be co-chaired by IRAAC and a NSW Government representative, with IRAAC playing a key role in facilitating communication and ensuring that the Aboriginal community’s needs are met. The government will support the council’s operational costs, including secretariat services and meeting facilities.