2 November 2021
The Territory Labor Government has today signed the Gurindji Aboriginal Corporation (GAC) Local Decision Making (LDM) Implementation Plan for 2021-23.
This builds upon the first two year Implementation Plan, and coincides with the opening of the Kalkaringi Community and Family Centre.
The Centre comprises of office space, board and consultation rooms, and communal areas for the community which will enable GAC to efficiently deliver critical programs and services for Gurindji people in Kalkaringi and Dagurargu.
The 2021-23 Implementation Plan has six key focuses:
· Strengthening culture and cultural respect;
· More locally run and owned businesses contracting to serve local people;
· Enhanced services for young people, children and families;
· More community housing;
· More local jobs and training opportunities; and
· Better community recreation facilities.
The GAC LDM Implementation Plan 2018-20 was one of the first to be signed in the Territory, following the introduction of the policy by the Territory Labor Government in 2017.
Achievements over the past two years include:
· A 52 per cent increase in overall cash flow, resulting in a 16.6 per cent growth in business;
· Gaining $3.5 million Contractor Accreditation Limited accreditation;
· Successfully completing 10 Remote Housing upgrades, 10 Room to Breathe upgrades and 13 Government Employee Housing contracts in Kalkaringi;
· Establishing the Kalkaringi Community and Family Centre.
Today's signing follows the extension of Local Decision Making Agreements by the Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation, the Yugul Mangi Development Aboriginal Corporation and the Anindilyakwa Land Council.
The GAC Local Decision Making Agreement is one of five in various stages of implementation across the Territory. Engagement for another sixteen is underway.
Quotes from Chief Minister Michael Gunner:
"From increasing cash flow to completing remote housing upgrades and creating new jobs - Gurindji are leaders in Local Decision Making.
"Empowering remote communities to build up their services and improve facilities is making a big difference in the bush.
"We will continue to back in Local Decision Making, because it opens up so many new opportunities for remote Territorians, which is great for our economy."
Quotes from Minister for Treaty and Local Decision Making Selena Uibo:
"GAC have come a long way in just a couple of years, and it's inspiring to think of everything else they can achieve with the extension of this Local Decision Making Agreement. This is a great milestone reached on country where history has acknowledged from little things big things grow.
"Local Decision Making is delivering for Aboriginal Territorians by improving services and providing new opportunities for jobs on country and strengthening capacity and leadership."
Northern Territory Government
