Riverina Murray Regional Alliance is a regional Aboriginal governance body established to strengthen the voice and influence of Aboriginal communities across the Riverina Murray region of New South Wales. Formally launched in 2016, RMRA was formed in response to the closure of key government services, including the Aboriginal Affairs office in Wagga Wagga, and the growing need for coordinated, community-led approaches to service delivery.
As a key mechanism under the NSW Government’s OCHRE Plan, RMRA brings together local leaders, government agencies, and service providers to identify regional priorities, co-design effective solutions, and ensure that services are delivered in culturally appropriate, transparent, and accountable ways. Rooted in the principles of empowerment, responsibility, and self-determination, RMRA is committed to advancing positive outcomes in education, employment, health, and community wellbeing.
The establishment of RMRA also provides an opportunity for Riverina Murray communities to engage with, and benefit from, the NSW Government’s OCHRE Plan (Opportunity, Choice, Healing, Responsibility, Empowerment) which provides a policy framework for advancing the capacity of NSW Aboriginal communities to participate in local decision making focused on improving education, employment, service delivery and accountability outcomes.
Local Decision Making recognises the right to self-determination and the right to participate in decision-making and exercise full authority and self-management consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. How Aboriginal communities are represented and how they come together to make decisions are matters for communities to determine.
The Riverina Murray Regional Alliance has been established to represent the interests of community members and Aboriginal organisations in ten communities in the Riverina Murrary region. The Alliance covers Albury, Cootamundra, Cummeragunja, Deniliquin, Griffith, Hay, Leeton, Narrandera, Tumut and Wagga Wagga.
The Riverina Murray Regional Alliance is committed to creating lasting, community-led improvements in the lives of Aboriginal people across the region by focusing on strategic, practical, and culturally grounded priorities. At the core of its work is a vision to align, unify, and strengthen communities for greater self-determination and well-being. RMRA’s main priorities are shaped by widespread community consultation and reflect both shared regional goals and localised needs.
Strengthening Governance and Accountability
Improving community communication and engagement
Embedding culture at the centre of all activities
Improving service coordination and delivery
Advancing strategic priorities through the Regional Strategic Priority Plan
RMRA is a volunteer group of selected community delegates and reserves. They attend quarterly meetings, share local concerns, and help shape policies to support Aboriginal communities. Ensuring RMRA remains connected to the need of the people we represent
