came together in Cobar last Thursday to celebrate 20 years of representing the interests and community-led governance of 16 communities across the region. Pictured above are William ‘Smiley’ Johnstone (RAHLA Programme Director), Grace Gordon (MPRA
Independent Chairperson), Fay Johnstone (Ivanhoe CWP Chairperson) and Olive ‘Pam’ Handy (Wentworth/Dareton CWP Chairperson);
▪ Photo contributed
The Murdi Paaki Regional Assembly (MPRA), a peak Aboriginal group representing the interests of 16 communities across Western NSW, the northwest and far west, celebrated 20 years of community led governance last Thursday in Cobar.
The MPRA was established to facilitate collaboration between the region’s Aboriginal communities through its Community Working Parties (CWPs) and over the past 20 years has grown to become a representative regional voice participating in decision-making and assisting in implementing government policy.
Chairperson of the MPRA, Grace Gordon, said the group is very proud to celebrate its 20 years of aspirations for governance and self-determination.
“In a political sphere where change is the only constant, the Murdi Paaki governance model has been a beacon of stability for 20 years,” Ms Gordon said.
“Through the Assembly’s evolution it has continued to work to develop governance skills which have been adapted to the cultural, social and geographical context of the region and its communities. The MPRA provides a community voice to ensure everyone feels empowered and creates a framework for local and regional decision making.”
The MPRA was the first group to sign a Local Decision Making Accord with the NSW Government in 2015, which was renewed in 2020 with a focus on economic development, law and justice, and early childhood and school education as well as health outcomes.
“The MPRA also has strategic relationships with the NSW Coalition of Aboriginal Regional Alliances, the Social Housing Agreement with NSW Government to improve the quality and supply of housing and is currently developing an MoU [Memorandum of Understanding] with the University of New England.
“The UNE partnership is aimed at supporting our people to study for degrees on Country in our own communities, and to develop other related projects identified by the Assembly to improve the lives of our people.
“The Murdi Paaki model has evolved over 20 years into a mature, stable network for governance and representation of First Nations people across a large area of New South Wales.
“We must maintain our consistent vision and purpose which is to improve outcomes for our people” Ms Gordon said.
MPRA members from across the 16 communities met in Cobar on Thursday at the Cobar Bowling & Golf Club.
They were welcomed by local Ngiyampaa Elder and Traditional Owner, Elaine Ohlsen, with Ms Gordon addressing the group before Regional Aboriginal Housing Leadership Assembly (RAHLA) Programme Director William ‘Smiley’ Johnstone spoke about ‘The Murdi Paaki Experience’.
Discussions followed about how MPRA and the Government could work together to make real change and CWPs spoke about their successes.
A celebratory dinner was held that night to mark the 20 year milestone.
