The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment has today joined thousands of people at the Koori Knockout – a sporting event that attracts one of the largest gathering of First Nations people in Australia.
This landmark event brings together communities from across the state for a four-day rugby league competition being held at Tuggerah on the Central Coast.
Department staff from across Aboriginal Housing Office, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service as well as from the stakeholder engagement teams are on the ground providing support and information about the department and support services.
Deputy Secretary, People, Performance and Culture, Sally Friedlander, said the Koori Knockout was a brilliant opportunity to engage with First Nation people and talk about their local communities and understand the character of their local areas.
"This is one of the largest gatherings of First Nation people in Australia and it's great to be part of it because communities are at the heart of everything we do," Ms Friedlander said.
"We are reaching out and talking with as many people as we can to better understand local needs and priorities."
Departmental staff will also be discussing and providing information on key initiatives that may be important to Aboriginal people, such as job opportunities within the department as well as community plans like the Aboriginal Waste Management Program.
"We want more Aboriginal people working, leading and succeeding in our department. The Koori Knockout is a great opportunity to speak to the people we want to join us to turn up the volume on the Aboriginal voice in the planning system," Ms Friedlander said.
"Our teams are raising awareness about how people can get involved in the local planning system and gathering feedback about local community priorities.
"By sharing ideas for your local towns and neighbourhoods with us, we can work with communities to provide the facilities and infrastructure that is needed, like schools, parks and services."
