A small community on the banks of the mighty Daly River has today formalised its aspirations for self-determination, with the signing of a Local Decision Making Agreement with the Territory Labor Government.
Nauiyu has become the eighth NT community to sign up for Local Decision Making, which facilitates new working relationships with Aboriginal communities and government agencies to assist the transition of government services and programs to community control.
Today's deal recognises Green River Aboriginal Corporation (GRAC) - as the decision making body for Nauiyu - and its partnership with the NT Government, National Indigenous Australians Agency, and the Catholic Diocese of Darwin to advance the health, wellbeing, and prosperity of the community.
GRAC, which represents the broader community and acknowledges the Malak Malak Traditional Owners, will now work with the NT Government around four key actions to advance the social and economic development of Nauiyu:
land tenure and future land use planning;community housing;economic development opportunities, including local jobs and training; andcommunity health and wellbeing.
The LDM Agreement consolidates the Territory Labor Government's partnership with the Nauiyu community and builds on the working relationship with the Green River Aboriginal Corporation which, in partnership with Big River Housing, is currently rolling out an $11.5 million housing program in the region.
In addition to the eight Local Decision Making Agreements now underway, there are a further 14 in the pipeline.
Quotes attributable to Chief Minister Natasha Fyles:
"Local Decision Making is the Territory Labor Government's commitment to provide opportunities to transfer government service delivery to Aboriginal people.
"Today's signing is significant for the Malak Malak Traditional Owners of Nauiyu and the broader community, because it offers a way forward based on their own priorities, needs, and aspirations."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Decision Making Selena Uibo:
"Today is a day of celebration for the people of Nauiyu because it is a huge step towards ensuring the community controls decision making over their land, their lives, and their destiny.
"We have already seen the partnership between our Government and the Nauiyu community working effectively to deliver housing programs in the region and I'm looking forward to continued success with the implementation of the Local Decision Making Agreement."
Quotes attributable to Member for Daly Dheran Young:
"I know the residents of Nauiyu are excited about this Agreement and are very positive about leading the way to a better future for their community."
Quotes attributable to Green River Aboriginal Corporation Chair Dr Miriam Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann AM:
"This is exactly the support our community needs to progress Aboriginal leadership and secure the future of Nauiyu for generations to come.
"We're all looking forward to this new phase."
