Released 03/12/2020
Recently launched Aboriginal-led organisation Yerrabi Yurwang is set to receive $25,000 to assist with start-up costs under the ACT Government's New and Emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Organisations Program (NEO Program).
Yerrabi Yurwang is a new not-for-profit organisation that seeks to improve outcomes for Aboriginal children and families in Canberra's north-west, providing holistic services managed by the Aboriginal community.
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Rachel Stephen-Smith said the NEO Support Program is an example of the ACT Government's commitment to supporting and empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community organisations and businesses.
"The NEO Program provides financial support to new and emerging businesses and community organisations that develop and deliver culturally appropriate services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in the ACT.
"Yerrabi Yurwang certainly meets this brief, seeking to provide direct family support and growing the service through partnerships to deliver access to housing, health services, early intervention, community, culture, legal and employment assistance," said Minister Stephen-Smith.
The funding will assist with start-up costs for the organisation including:
- conducting a series of two Yerrabi Yurwang Yarn Ups to harness existing community capacity using a community development model.
- training and development for Board Members.
- establishing an Aboriginal Mother's Group to connect and support Aboriginal Mums.
The NEO Support Program supports the focus areas of community leadership, economic participation and inclusive community in the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Agreement 2019-2028.
The Program also directly aligns with the National Agreement on Closing the Gap priority reform area two – Building Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled service sectors to deliver closing the gap services.
Quotes attributable to Selina Walker a Director of Yerrabi Yurwang Child and Family Aboriginal Corporation:
Yerrabi Yurwang is a newly established organisation to deliver holistic child and family services in the North Western region of Canberra.
Yerrabi Yurwang means Walking Strong in Ngunnawal language and strives to deliver quality services to build generations of strong and thriving Aboriginal Children and Families residing in Canberra's North West on Ngunnawal Country.
Yerrabi Yurwang is grateful for the support to establish an important service for our children and their families here in the ACT.
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases