Aboriginal minister visits Deni

Land Council chair Stephen Charles said the minister was on a ‘‘fact finding’’ tour, which also took her to Cummeragunja after she left Deniliquin.

‘‘She was here just to touch base and to get to know more about our area and the Aboriginal people here,’’ Mr Charles said.

‘‘She was very interested in learning more about Moonacullah.

‘‘We spoke about key issues affecting the local community under law and justice, housing and health.’’

Yarkuwa senior project officer Karen Wilson said the three key issues are outlined in the Riverina Murray Regional Alliance strategic plan, for which the Werkitya Kalpul Deniliquin Community Working Party is developing a Local Decision Making Framework.

Ms Wilson, who is chair of the working party, said this document and the progress so far was discussed in detail during what she described as a relaxed informal dinner meeting.

‘‘The minister was looking for information on Aboriginal people and their perspectives on a range of topics — local need and economic development in particular.

‘‘She also wanted to see how the Closing the Gap reforms are working on the ground, and how the government funded projects are progressing.

‘‘On the Wednesday she was given a tour of the Yarkuwa Indigenous Knowledge Centre and the lagoons project.

‘‘We also discussed the Werai forest and the progress in making it an Indigenous Protected Area and the importance of local decision making.

‘‘We also asked if she had any influence over applications with the Regional Cultural Fund.

‘‘This was a new way of doing business for the New South Wales Government, to come to us and invite us rather than us having to chase them.’’

Ms Mitchell said her trip to the Murray was eye-opening and she was glad to be invited by Mr Evans.

‘‘Austin is lucky to be the local member for a region with a very rich Aboriginal history and culture, and I am thrilled we were able to see a number of key Aboriginal attractions in the Murray,’’ she said.