Member for Geraldton Kirrilee Warr MLA has welcomed the funding announcement for the Midwest Aboriginal Organisations Alliance (MAOA), saying it will assist to help closing the gap.
On Thursday, the Aboriginal Affairs Minister confirmed to the Yamatji On-Country meeting $300,000 is set to be delivered to MAOA over the next two years to assist with their call to-action targets.
Seven key areas, including addressing systemic change, racism, housing, police, education, employment, and health, have been identified as the areas requiring action and change within the community.
Ms Warr said there was a need for change.
“The community needs to be a part of this, recognising what we as a society need to do to ensure a commitment to change,” she said.
“In Geraldton and throughout the Mid West, the ability to strengthen partnerships and collaborate has never been more important.”
According to the Yamatji On-Country Call-to-Action statement, First Nations people in the Mid West, Gascoyne, and Murchison regions are seeking to highlight the need for action, collective change for the community, and improving collaboration amongst stakeholders.
Ms Warr urged the State Government to continue to engage and listen.
“Members of the community expressed their frustration in the past about a lack of response from the Government with regard to their call to action,” she said.
“Ongoing support for the MAOA is needed, and I will continue to listen and advocate on the issues that matter.
“This has to be done in and on-country, with local Aboriginal people to help close the gap.”