ABORIGINAL PROGRAMS

Aboriginal Project Officer

The Aboriginal Project Officer works closely with the Parkes Shire Council to progress initiatives relating to Aboriginal People under the Council's Community Plan which forms a cornerstone of the new Department of Local Government Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework.

Background

Consultations with the Parkes Aboriginal community were conducted over a period of 12 months prior to commencement of the Aboriginal Project Officers roles, by different Government and non-Government agencies including Parkes Multipurpose Aboriginal Corporation, Orange Aboriginal Medical Service and the Central West Division of General Practice. The community voiced strong concerns about the need for greater access to service support across a broad range of social issues. The consultations also resulted in the formation of Aboriginal Working Parties with members representing local Elders, women, men and youth for both Parkes and Peak Hill. These groups were established in March 2011 to become advocates and to be a voice for both Parkes and Peak Hill Aboriginal communities about key issues and initiatives under the Government's Closing the Gap agenda.  The Aboriginal Project Officer promotes and celebrates Aboriginal Heritage and Culture and supports the cultural development of the Aboriginal community.  This position has also recently helped to secure outreach eye clinics, hearing screens and dental outreach services in Parkes and an eye clinic outreach service in Peak Hill.

Aboriginal Child, Youth and Family Program 

Targeting Aboriginal Youth and their families, parents and/or carers. Forms partnerships and network services, targeting organisations and community capacity building services for the clientele in the Peak Hill community.

Indigenous Advancement Strategy

This program will identify students who display signs of having trouble with literacy and numeracy. Neighbourhood Central will work with Indigenous families, schools and appropriate community members to ensure barriers to school attendance and learning performance are addressed.

There will be opportunities to participate in out of school reward activities such as cultural day trips.

Homework Centres will be located at Neighbourhood Central, 80-82 Currajong Street Parkes and 108 Caswell Street Peak Hill. These Homework Centres will be operating one day per week in each location during school terms from 3pm to 5pm, targeting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from Year 7 to Year 12.