Community Connector Program - transition to Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Inc. (NSW AECG)
In the 2025-2026 Budget the NSW Government announced $6.2 million over three years to continue the Aboriginal Community Connector Program as part of the broader Closing the Gap investment in partnership with Aboriginal organisations.
NSW CAPO partners - the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) and the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Inc. (NSW AECG) agreed that management of the Aboriginal Community Connector Program would transition to the NSW AECG, as the NSW CAPO lead on education.
The Aboriginal Community Connector Program is a NSW CAPO-led initiative funded by the NSW Department of Education that supports Aboriginal students to reach their learning potential by strengthening connections to culture, Country and community supports.
The program commenced in Orange and Tamworth in 2021 as a Premier’s Priority initiative before expanding to Bega in 2022, and later to Armidale, Dubbo, Lightning Ridge and Wilcannia in 2023. Community Connectors work outside the school gate within Aboriginal community-controlled organisations and partner with schools and local service providers to deliver culturally safe support for Aboriginal students and families.
NSWALC is proud to have supported the establishment and expansion of the program and acknowledges the important contribution of Local Aboriginal Land Councils, Community Connectors, communities, schools and partner organisations like Armajun Aboriginal Health Service involved in its delivery.
NSWALC looks forward to continuing to work collaboratively with the NSW AECG, NSW CAPO partners and government to improve outcomes for Aboriginal young people across NSW.
