A partnership, created with the aim of transforming opportunities for Aboriginal people in western and far western New South Wales has been forged between the Murdi Paaki Regional Assembly (MPRA) and the University of New England (UNE).

The MPRA and the UNE recently signed a statement of intent at Cobar to enhance educational pathways, workforce participation, community engagement and sustainable development in the Murdi Paaki Region.

 This region spans over 40 per cent of the state.

Independent Chairperson of the MPRA, Grace Gordon, said it was a very proud day at the signing to be standing alongside UNE and community to commit to the future of young people and the region.

Ms Gordon told the gathering the partnership has the greatest potential to shrink and overtime, close the education and economic participation gaps between First Nations and non - Indigenous people in the Murdi Paaki Region.

“This will be a game changer for First Nations here and elsewhere in New South Wales,” she said.

“Our people have expressed their worry about the lack of First Nations teachers in schools, the removal of opportunity for post school education, lack of fulfilling work and the withdrawal of professional services, especially in remote areas.

“In signing this Statement of Intent we’re opening up doors for education and all that flows on from that”.

Ms Gordon told the gathering of her own experience of using education to improve her opportunities and to eventually attend university.

“I’m an example of what a First Nations person in a remote part of NSW can achieve with supported, structured access to education.”

The statement of intent will be implemented using a multi-faceted approach. There will be many specific programs rolled out which can provide various opportunities and skills for the local youth.

It will mean First Nations youth can achieve degrees while remaining in their local communities, MPRA and UNE will collaborate on monitoring and evaluating the outcomes of the partnership, ensuring that it is effectively addressing the needs of the community and delivering positive change. 

The emphasis and general theme throughput these implementations will be a culturally and community led approach.