Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation is celebrating a significant milestone in 2025, marking 30 years of providing essential health services to Aboriginal communities across far west New South Wales.

The organisation's origins trace back to the Murdi Paaki Regional Council, which later became the Murdi Paaki Regional Assembly, the peak Aboriginal governance body for the Murdi Paaki Region representing the interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across western NSW. The region spans from Collarenebri in the northeast to Dareton and Wentworth in the south, covering an area the size of the United Kingdom.

Maari Ma was established in 1995 as a strategic initiative of the Murdi Paaki Regional Council to address the critical shortage of Aboriginal health services in far west NSW, where Aboriginal health outcomes were extremely poor. The organisation was founded in close cooperation with the Far West Area Health Service, which at the time was the most remote Area Health Service in NSW with the smallest population and the highest percentage of Aboriginal people.

William 'Smiley' Johnstone became Maari Ma's first regional director, leading a small team of just three people. Under a unique cooperative partnership agreement with the Far West Area Health Service called the Lower Western Sector Agreement, Maari Ma took over management of health facilities in the Lower Western Sector outside of Broken Hill, including Tibooburra, Wilcannia, Menindee, Ivanhoe, Wentworth, Dareton and Balranald. Over the 18 years of this agreement, Maari Ma steadily grew in both staff numbers and influence.

The transformation has been remarkable. Today, Maari Ma employs more than 120 staff across four communities, delivering health services through the Maari Ma Primary Health Care Service in Broken Hill, the newly built Wilcannia Health and Wellbeing Centre, and the Bes Murray Community Centre in Balranald. Staff are also located at Far West Local Health District's Menindee Health Service, with outreach services provided to Ivanhoe Health Service. The organisation also operates the Wings Youth Drop In Centre in Wilcannia and delivers numerous programmes focused on early childhood development and supporting parents to be their child's first teacher.

As a proudly Aboriginal community controlled organisation, Maari Ma's Board of Directors is drawn from communities across the Maari Ma region, ensuring local voices guide decision making.

The 30th anniversary year has been marked by several significant developments. In September 2025, Maari Ma held a formal celebration event in Broken Hill featuring a three-course meal, comedian and live band. The organisation has received public recognition for its achievements from bodies including the Western NSW Primary Health Network, with its work also highlighted during NAIDOC Week celebrations.

A major milestone in this anniversary year is Maari Ma's partnership with the NSW Government to build a new Aboriginal Child and Family Centre in Broken Hill, which will focus on early childhood education and family wellbeing. Additionally, the Maari Ma Indigenous Art Awards are also celebrating their 30th anniversary this year.

Workforce development has been a cornerstone of Maari Ma's success, with a strong focus on creating a culturally safe environment and supporting the training and development of Aboriginal people into qualified health professionals. Many staff members have built long careers within the organisation, contributing to its deep community connections and understanding.

Looking ahead, Maari Ma's strategic plan emphasises continuing to improve access to health services with particular focus on adult chronic disease, maternal and child health, and social and emotional wellbeing. The organisation remains committed to strengthening partnerships with other organisations and community leaders to continue improving the health of Aboriginal people in the region.

Beyond health service delivery, Maari Ma aspires to build on Aboriginal knowledge of land, culture and family to provide opportunities for healing and building strength. The organisation is dedicated to supporting young people to understand and operate confidently in the mainstream community whilst remaining secure in their knowledge of who they are and where they come from.

As the organisation enters its fourth decade, its founding principle remains steadfast: Aboriginal people are best placed to tackle their own challenges and create their own future, and Maari Ma is determined to play its part in making this vision a reality.

Community members and supporters are encouraged to keep an eye on Maari Ma's website for celebration events throughout this special anniversary year.