News

New MDAS advisory group for Swan Hill and Kerang

Wed, 07 May 2014 08:30:00

Members of Koori communities in Swan Hill and Kerang will be able to have input into the region’s peak Aboriginal organisation through a new community committee.

Mallee District Aboriginal Services has formed a 10-member advisory group for the Swan Hill and Kerang regions so community members have more input into the services provided by the organisation.
MDAS called for expressions of interest in the committee earlier this year and the new group met for the first time last week.
“We’re really pleased at the broad representation we have received in forming the committee,” said local community-member Rob Connelly, who has worked with MDAS to get the group established.
“Our group includes members of the Wamba Wamba and Barapa Barapa communities representing both the Swan Hill and Kerang areas.  The really pleasing aspect was the diversity in the range of backgrounds and experiences of the people who stepped forward,” Mr Connelly said.
MDAS chief executive officer Rudolph Kirby said he was pleased at the interest from people wanting to get more involved in their local Koori organisation.
“The group we’ve formed has representation from Elders and youth and from a range of sectors including education and justice, as well as from both of the Local Indigenous Networks,” Mr Kirby said.
The group plans to run community meetings to get direct feedback on MDAS service delivery, access to services and promotion of MDAS services.  Members will also use their own networks to liaise with community members and groups to receive input on issues affecting the community.
Members of the Swan Hill and Kerang Community Advisory Committee are: Esther Kirby; Pearl Dunn; Damien Murray; Stephanie Charles; Tania Wise; Nicola Perry; Jason Krueger; Maurice Day; Robbie Gray; and Rob Connelly.