Community collaboration and empowerment in Moree shines bright

We had the pleasure of spending some time in Moree this week and connecting with local organisations, community members, and Elders who are all doing fantastic work in empowering people across Moree and are committed to collaboration.

It was fantastic to see participants from our programs across the community, guided by Mark and Peter from TAFE NSW – Moree, who are working on some incredible things as part of their studies to further their career prospects. Seeing the enthusiasm and hard work of our youth who are determined to create a bright future for themselves and their community was touching.

We also had the opportunity to meet Inspector Phill Malligan from Moree Police to learn more about the Guumali Youth Project, which aims to engage positively with young people by providing an outdoor cinema for movies under the stars.

The project is an excellent example of how law enforcement can contribute positively to the community by creating opportunities for young people to engage in activities that foster connection and growth.

We also welcomed the Aboriginal Legal Service team, which delivers the Child and Family Advocacy and Support Program (ACFAS). They play a crucial role in advocating for and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families, and communities. The ACFAS program provides culturally appropriate support to families experiencing challenges, ensuring they have access to the services they need to thrive.

The Dhiiyaan Aboriginal Centre organized a Trivi-Lympics event where the Elders Group and the Yinarr Youth Academy came together. We were delighted to have been invited to the event. The Young Yinaars acted as hosts and served a delicious curry to the Elders, creating a warm and welcoming environment for everyone to enjoy. 

During the event, the Elders proudly presented David Liddiard OAM, the owner of Bamara, with this year’s Elders Olympics Team shirt. The team will wear the shirt during the competition in Kempsey, which is scheduled in early May. It was a touching gesture that fostered connections and shared experiences over a meal.

To wrap up our visit, we joined the team from Asuria to attend the inaugural joint interagency meeting, amplified by an event hosted by the Moree Plains Council in recognition of Close the Gap Day and Harmony Day. The event facilitated knowledge sharing and collaboration among service providers to drive a positive impact.

The event brought together service providers, including Bamara, to showcase their achievements, share innovative strategies, and promote collaboration towards creating a positive impact. The event celebrated the incredible work in the community and an opportunity for service providers to come together and share ideas for the future.

Seeing the tireless work achieved by local organisations, community members, and Elders committed to creating a better future for themselves and their community was incredible. 

We are grateful to have had the opportunity to connect with these wonderful people and organisations. We look forward to continuing to support their efforts to empower people across Moree.