The Wire

Unfortunately Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience disadvantage in all areas of life. In the past, governments have dealt with health, education, employment and economic issues separately. In November 2000, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreed that all governments would work together to improve the social and economic well being of Indigenous people and communities. Some 2 years later, COAG developed ten regions to provide more flexible programs and services based on prior agreements with Indigenous communities. The Greater Shepparton area of the Goulbourn Valley in mid-north Victoria was selected for a trail site. The Aboriginal people of Shepparton and it’s surrounds have responded to racism and disadvantage with community actions and organisations for many years. But given the size of the region and the varied Indigenous communities and organisations a coordinated approach to issues can prove difficult. Yorta Yorta Representative Paul Briggs is calling for a united front.