The Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) has extended a statewide expression of interest to identify local Aboriginal service providers that can offer place based cultural immersion training for employees as part of the department’s Aboriginal Cultural Capability Framework. 

Expressions of interest will run until 7th August to identify potential Aboriginal service providers who will be shortlisted and invited to tender for the delivery of services based on their local cultural knowledge.

DPE Director of Aboriginal People and Cultural Affairs, Amanda McCarthy, said the framework will provide employees with comprehensive learning to improve Aboriginal cultural awareness and capabilities, enabling them to deliver the very best services in partnership with Aboriginal communities.

“Aboriginal people and cultures are so diverse that a ‘one size fits all’ approach to cultural learning won’t work,” Ms McCarthy said.

“Employees need to immerse themselves in their local communities or on Country with Traditional Custodians, knowledge holders and language speakers and understand their intrinsic connections with Country and the broader community.”

Through the expression of interest process, DPE aims to establish a panel of preferred Aboriginal suppliers across NSW who can provide cultural immersion experiences and share the richness and diversity of Aboriginal culture and history on Country.

With about 10,000 employees in the Department of Planning and Environment around NSW, the establishment of the panel represents real and tangible economic development opportunities for Aboriginal people, communities, and business.

Further information on the expression of interest can be found here https://www.tenders.nsw.gov.au/

Presenting a cheque to the Eugowra Bowls & Recreation Club was in no particular order Nathan Whiteside CEO at Orange Ex-Services’ Club, Annisa Smart Founder of Smart Exposure (event organiser), Carl Pozzato CEO at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club, Michael Lavorato CEO at Campbelltown Catholic Club, Julien Bova CEO at Manly Leagues, Bryn Miller former CEO at Merrylands RSL Club and local Club members.

Back in February, Orange Ex Services Club hosted a wonderful industry luncheon that brought registered Clubs and industry suppliers together to raise much needed funds for flood affected areas and their community Clubs from across our local area.

This event saw a number of large donations and contributions made. Thanks to the incredible event organisers at Smart Exposure and all of the wonderful sponsors and volunteers, the event proudly raised over $200,000, and these funds have now made their way to the flood-affected communities via their community Clubs.

Last Thursday 20th July, the Orange Ex-Services’ Club and Smart Exposure brought some of the major donators including Mounties Group, Ryde-Eastwood Leagues, Campbelltown Catholic Club and Manly Leagues to the Central West on a day trip to Molong, Cudal and Eugowra. At the cheque presentations, they spoke to the Clubs’ mangement and met some local Club members and the community, to hear first hand the impact and devastation these floods have had and were able to brainstorm a number of initiatives that the funds raised can go towards.

It is critical that these small, flood affected communities continue to get support and funding to rebuild, and sharing this heartwarming news story is a part of ensuring they are not left behind to rebuild on their own.