The national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Katie Kiss will be in Nyngan and Bourke this week as part of a ‘listening tour’ to ‘bring together the voices of First Nations peoples.

The gatherings will take place in Nyngan today at the Bogan Shire Youth and Community Centre from 12 noon to 3pm, and in Bourke at the Back o’ Bourke Information and Exhibition Centre on 16 January from 10am to 1pm.

The project hopes to encourage people from across Australia to share thoughts on the issues that matter most to them, with a chance to be heard about their rights and futures.

The last visit to rural NSW was in 2018 by the previous Commissioner and Commissioner Kiss is keen to talk to people about what is needed as she hits the road for this tour.

Bourke NSW - Image courtesy VisitNSW

“We chose Bourke to visit as this community is renowned for its proactive, community-led initiatives like the Maranguka Justice Reinvestment project,” according to Commissioner Kiss.

“This project focuses on reducing crime and improving outcomes for indigenous youth, making Bourke a critical location for understanding the successes and challenges of such programs.

“And with a notable indigenous population, Nyngan faces distinct social and health challenges, with recent reports highlighting rising chronic conditions among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents, emphasising the importance of targeted health interventions in the region.” Commissioner Kiss said.

Image Angie White

With 38 per cent of the Bourke population identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and 20.2 per cent of Nyngan, the Commissioner felt these communities would be ideal to provide guidance in future planning.

According to organisers, the event is an opportunity to help shape the agenda of the Social Justice Commissioner and for attendees to share their thoughts on what is fair and needed for future First Nations communities.

“We invite everyone to get involved, spread the word, and be part of this meaningful discussion,” an event spokesperson said.

“Your participation will help create a stronger, more inclusive dialogue,” they said.

Commissioner Kiss - Image courtesy ABC

“It is always good to sit and discuss planning for the future,” one western area elder said.

“It also feels good to be heard and to know that Indigenous people are being taken into consideration in the future planning of our nation.

“There are many issues we wish to table with the Commissioner including domestic violence, alcohol and substance abuse, unemployment and health problems that face our people and hopefully find ways to improve these problems.

“It is important that we all work together as one but with respect for each other’s culture uppermost in mind,” he said.

The Commissioner's six high level priorities are:

• • Increase access to justice for First Nations communities.
  • Promote the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples (the Declaration).
  • Advocate and guide implementation of the three pillars of the Uluru statement from the heart – voice, treaty, truth.
  • Support the realisation of First Nations health equality.
  • To provide advocacy and guidance to progress Land Justice Reform.
  • To build the capacity of the First Nations Human Rights Network.

If you would like to speak to someone about this event (including help to register) or the ITA project you can call (02) 9284 9615 or email [email protected]