New Aboriginal Coalition of Peak bodies formed

18 April, 2011

New Peak Aboriginal Coalition formed

April 18, 2011

Members of a newly formed coalition of Aboriginal peak bodies have joined forces in the advancement of Aboriginal rights in New South Wales.

Known as the Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Bodies or 'CAPO', the alliance includes...

  • The NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC)
  • NSW/ACT Aboriginal Legal Services
  • Link Up NSW
  • NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group
  • NSW Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council
  • NSW Aboriginal Child, Family and Community Care State Secretariat.

A memorandum of understanding was signed at the recent NSWALC State Wide Conference in front of some 400 Aboriginal attendees.

The MOU signing was a historic occasion, signaling a new era of cooperation and understanding between Aboriginal organisations and the government.

NSWALC Chairwoman Bev Manton said it was a great stride forward in Aboriginal Affairs.

"The formation of the Coalition means we can speak with one voice on major issues while retaining the independence of each organisation," she said.

"There are individuals who've worked tirelessly for many years seeking to form this coalition and I'm confident it will work to advance the rights of our people."

Chairwoman Manton said the MOU committed each of the six member organisations to support and foster the social, economic and cultural well-being of Aboriginal peoples in NSW.

"You can see by the breadth of representation amongst the six signatories, that this coalition will be deeply involved with nearly every facet of Aboriginal life.

"I foresee CAPO being a strident voice for the Aboriginal people of NSW, advancing a positive vision for the future and achieving tangible outcomes," she said.

"It's through this vehicle of cooperation that Aboriginal peak bodies can stand shoulder to shoulder in the fight for our collective rights and mutual gain.

"I look forward to working together with the five other peak bodies towards a stronger, brighter future for our young ones."

Media contact: Chris Munro 0438 760 242

Acknowledgement

We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners of the lands where we work as well as across the lands we travel through. We also acknowledge our Elders past, present and emerging.

Artwork Credit: Craig Cromelin, from a painting he did titled, "4 favourite fishing holes". It is a snippet of his growing years on the Lachlan River, featuring yabby, turtle, fish and family.

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