First sod turned for Bourke’s new Aboriginal Child and Family Centre
Aboriginal children and families are set to benefit from a new hub for early education and family support, with the NSW Minister for Families and Communities Kate Washington turning the first sod for Bourke’s new Aboriginal Child and Family Centre.
The centre will be delivered in partnership with Maranguka, a local Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation. It will sit alongside a new preschool, supported by a Department of Education capital grant and will be delivered by Bourke and District Children’s Services.
With a combined investment of nearly $10 million, the ACFC and preschool will expand access to high-quality early childhood education and support for families in and around Bourke.
This is one of six new centres being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $100 million Aboriginal Child and Family Centre Expansion and Enhancement Program.
The centres are in addition to the nine existing centres located around NSW being upgraded with expanded facilities and almost double the operational funding.
Investment in the future
Minister for Families and Communities Kate Washington said Aboriginal Child and Family Centres were a game-changer for local communities, providing everything young families need to give their little ones the best start in life, all in one place.
“The Government is investing in the future of Bourke, backing the community with the funding needed to provide lifechanging supports for local families and our littlest learners,” she said.
“I’m pleased we are partnering with trusted local organisations, Maranguka and Bourke and District Children’s Services to strengthen families and the community through connection, culture and early education.”
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said the construction was fantastic news for Bourke.
“These centres are trusted within Aboriginal communities and play a vital role helping to Close the Gap by providing culturally appropriate services tailored to the needs of local mob,” he said.
“As a former school principal I am especially pleased this facility will have an adjoining pre-school to ensure early education is interwoven with culture, health and family support all under one roof.”
Maranguka Executive Director and Founder Alister Ferguson said his organisation welcomed the opportunity to deliver the Aboriginal Child and Family Centre.
Delivery of services
“Maranguka has been proud to work alongside Bourke District Children’s Services, Bourke Public School, the NSW Department of Education and the Deputy Premier Prue Car, to help bring these opportunities together. This partnership will galvanise and strengthen our collective efforts to set children, young people and families up for success in the Bourke community,” he said.
Bourke and District Children’s Services General Manager Prue Ritchie said her organisation was delighted to work alongside Maranguka in the delivery of wrap-around services for children and families.
“Our community has been collaborating across services through the Maranguka Early Childhood and Parenting Working Group for more than 10 years, and we welcome this investment in an area that the community has long advocated for,” she said.
This Hub will create a culturally safe space where families and community members can come together, a place of active reconciliation, genuine employment opportunities, and strengthened connections. It will help make our community stronger while addressing the underlying causes of disadvantage.”
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