On 31 October, an alliance of Aboriginal organisations and non-Aboriginal NGOs publically launched a set of principles aimed at empowering Aboriginal organisations and communities in the NT to take control of their futures. This is a ground-breaking initiative between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal NGOs in the Northern Territory to create strong partnerships.

Organisations leading the initiative include Aboriginal Peak Organisations NT (1), Strong Aboriginal Families, Together (SAF,T), the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples, NT Council of Social Service (NTCOSS) and the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS).

Development of the principles was informed by a forum in Alice Springs in February that brought together sixty participants from twenty-seven non-Aboriginal NGOs and six NT Aboriginal representative organisations – the first gathering of its kind in the NT. The forum acknowledged that there are a number of NGOs that already have good working relationships with Aboriginal organisations, but this is not systematic.

The principles present significant opportunities for these organisations to learn from each other, create better partnerships and working relations with Aboriginal organisations operating at the ground level and achieve better outcomes for communities.

For further information on the NGO Principles contact APO NT (08) 8944 6672