BREAKING: The New South Wales Government has just announced the opening of three new Aboriginal Child and Family Centres (ACFC) in a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing support for Aboriginal families and children. The centres, located in Broken Hill and Bourke, will provide vital access to early learning and health services, with a focus on culturally appropriate support.
This urgent development responds to the pressing need for tailored services, as nearly 45% of all children in out-of-home care in NSW are Aboriginal, despite representing only 3.4% of the state’s population. The ACFCs aim to address this alarming statistic by delivering essential resources to families in crisis, ensuring these interventions are rare and brief.
Belinda Field, CEO of Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Services, emphasized the cultural significance of these centres. “It’s not just a building – it will be a living, breathing space of culture, learning, and care for our gudjagang,” she stated. Field highlighted that the ACFCs will serve as community hubs, not just for Aboriginal families but for all families seeking early childhood education and care.
The initiative is part of a broader $100 million ACFC Expansion and Enhancement Program, designed to enhance existing centres and establish six new ones across the state. The NSW Government is committed to closing the gap by ensuring that Aboriginal families receive the support they deserve in safe, trusted environments.
David Harris, NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, stressed the importance of these centres in fostering community trust. “ACFCs are recognised as safe spaces within Aboriginal communities,” he noted. “They play a vital role in providing culturally relevant services that meet local needs.”
The new centres will offer a range of programs, including counselling, playgroups, and mothers’ programs, all aimed at nurturing the next generation. This initiative represents a significant step towards creating strong foundations for Aboriginal children, ensuring they grow up surrounded by their language, identity, and the loving guidance of Aboriginal educators and Elders.
As these centres prepare for their opening, the community is poised to benefit immensely. With the first centre set to launch shortly, families can look forward to a supportive environment that fosters development and well-being.
In the coming weeks, further locations for additional ACFCs will be announced, alongside enhancements to the nine existing centres. This ambitious plan is a call to action for communities across New South Wales, emphasizing the importance of cultural identity and support for Aboriginal families.
Stay tuned for more updates on this vital initiative as it unfolds. The establishment of these centres is not just a project—it’s a movement towards a brighter future for Aboriginal children and families in New South Wales.
