9 May, 2025
Tamworth – best known for its country music festival – is now making history for another reason: becoming the first town in Australia where a local council and Aboriginal community-controlled organisations have signed a formal agreement to work together on Closing the Gap.
The landmark Mara Ngali Partnership Agreement – meaning ‘our two hands’ working together – will be signed today between Tamworth Regional Council and a group of local Aboriginal organisations. It marks a powerful and positive commitment to shared decision-making and local action to improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Photos courtesy of Daniel Thorpe.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up 13 per cent of Tamworth’s population – well above the national average of 3 per cent. While the community is strong and resilient, longstanding inequities in health, education and social outcomes remain – and this agreement seeks to address them through culturally informed, community-led approaches.
Tamworth also reflects broader challenges faced by many regional towns, including the need for just outcomes on Native Title and more inclusive conversations about youth and safety.
Marc Sutherland, Tamworth Councillor and proud Gomeroi man, said the agreement reflects a turning point for the region.
“Aboriginal people are pushing to step beyond giving advice to councils, they want to work in partnership and be a part of making decisions on issues impacting them,” Cr Sutherland said.
“Mara Ngali in Gomeroi means our two hands. Two hands that work together, delivering action under a shared vision. The Partnership hopes to deliver real outcomes for Aboriginal people across our region.”
Pat Turner AM, Lead Convenor of the Coalition of Peaks – a national representative body of more than 80 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations – said the agreement marks a milestone in grassroots action under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
“This is a historic first. Never before has a local government made such a formal and genuine commitment to Close the Gap in partnership with our people,” Ms Turner said.
“This is what self-determination looks like – the Aboriginal community driving change, with governments walking alongside us, and real accountability built in from the ground up.”
“I commend the leadership of the Tamworth Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, Tamworth Regional Council, and Councillors Marc Sutherland and Charles Lynch for showing the country what partnership and progress can look like.”
The Mara Ngali agreement outlines a shared roadmap for action across five priority areas:
- Formal partnerships with shared decision-making
- Strengthening Aboriginal community-controlled services
- Culturally safe and accountable council services
- Transparent data sharing
- Boosting Aboriginal employment and economic development
Under the agreement, Tamworth Regional Council will embed Closing the Gap targets into its planning, provide resources for implementation, and report annually on progress. Local Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations – including the Aboriginal Legal Service, Land Council, Health Service and several education providers – will lead community engagement and provide cultural governance.
“It’s not just a talk fest, it’s not just a piece of paper. It’s about both of us working together in partnership to ensure our voices are listened to, and the action of the agreement.,” said Catherine Trindall, Chairperson, Tamworth Medical ServiceTamworth Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (TACCO).
“We’re going to carry the torch of our ancestors, continue to carry their vision and legacy. We aren’t about closing the gap but bettering the gap.”
This landmark partnership brings to life the principles of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap – showing what’s possible when communities and governments walk together in true partnership.
Media inquiries:
Verity Leach: 0438 944 113, verity.leach@coalitionofpeaks.org.au
Chris Arnott: 0452 616 737, chris.arnott@essentialmedia.com.au
Photos and interviews available on the day.