The Riverina Murray Regional Alliance (RMRA) 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.
Through Local Decision Making, we have direct access to and relationships with the NSW Government, allowing us to change the way decisions are made for our community. Together, these priorities are designed to empower communities, drive sustainable outcomes, and transition RMRA toward long-term accountability and self-determined regional development.
RMRA seeks to build robust internal governance structures and representative capacity. This includes upskilling community delegates, conducting service reviews to identify existing capabilities and gaps, and increasing transparency and accountability in how decisions are made and communicated. A key focus is on ensuring RMRA can effectively advocate for communities and negotiate service delivery with government and non-government stakeholders.
Effective and inclusive communication with member communities is a cornerstone of RMRA’s strategy. The Alliance aims to raise awareness about its role, encourage broader community participation in decision-making processes, and ensure Aboriginal people are well-informed about available services and how to access them. This includes developing a regional communication plan and enhancing local engagement strategies.
Cultural healing, revitalisation, and the promotion of Aboriginal identity are fundamental to RMRA’s work. Culture is recognised not only as a foundation for community strength and resilience but as a key determinant of health and wellbeing. RMRA prioritises the establishment of Elders Advisory Groups, cultural education initiatives, and the integration of traditional knowledge into services and governance.
Guided by a four-year plan, RMRA addresses ten strategic themes: Governance & Engagement, Culture, Community Wellbeing, Health & Healing, Education & Training, Employment & Business Development, Housing, Law & Justice, Aged Care, and Transport. While all ten areas are important, the inclusion of Aged Care and Transport, though raised by fewer communities, reflects RMRA’s inclusive, whole-of-region approach. These priorities aim to improve structural, social, and economic outcomes through collaborative, place-based, and culturally informed solutions.
RMRA is focused on creating a more responsive and coordinated regional service environment. By mapping existing services, identifying duplication and gaps, and influencing how services are planned and delivered, RMRA advocates for integrated, culturally safe, and accessible service provision that truly reflects the priorities of local communities.