Northern Sydney Aboriginal Social Plan

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Key Recommendations It is recommended that: 3.1 Northern Sydney councils actively lobby the Department of Education and Training to address issues related to accessing educational services, the effectiveness of current Aboriginal educational programs, and lower outcomes in numeracy, literacy and science for Aboriginal children. 3.2 The Northern Sydney Aboriginal Social Plan Project work with the Department of Education and Training, TAFE NSW and Universities to raise awareness among the Aboriginal community of educational opportunities for Aboriginal people of all ages. 3.3 The Northern Sydney Aboriginal Social Plan Project work with the Department of Education at the regional level to better integrate the local Aboriginal culture and heritage in existing Aboriginal studies curriculum. This work should be conducted in conjunction with local Aboriginal workers and residents and through the local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group. 3.4 The Northern Sydney Aboriginal Social Plan Project work in cooperation with the Department of Education and Training to develop a register of Aboriginal community people as potential guest speakers and specialty teachers i.e. art workshops, bush walking, dance, story telling etc. 3.5 The Northern Sydney Aboriginal Social Plan Project work with the Department of Education and Training to increase the involvement of Aboriginal people in the design and development of Aboriginal educational programs and general education programs for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students. 3.6 Northern Sydney Aboriginal Social Plan Project and Northern Sydney Councils support reconciliation groups in the region through access to meeting spaces, resources, information and participation in joint projects. 3.7 Northern Sydney councils promote Aboriginal culture and history by incorporating Aboriginal themes in events and council-run programs for children, young people and seniors. 3.8 Northern Sydney councils utilise their library services and Tourist Information Centres and work with local Historical Societies and other relevant organisations to promote the Aboriginal history of their local area. Woodford Bay Reconciliation Memorial to the Cameraygal People “To honour and recognise the Cameraygal people who defended their country against British invasion.” page 37 Northern Sydney Aboriginal Social Plan 2007-2011
4. Housing Stable and affordable housing was identifi ed in consultations as extremely important for Aboriginal families living in the Northern Sydney region. Shelter NSW (2005) sets a benchmark of no more than 30% of gross income in mortgage repayments or rent as an indicator of housing affordability. Families and individuals that need to pay more than 30% of their income on housing costs are said to experience “housing stress”. Analysis of 2001 Census data indicates a relatively high level of housing stress among Aboriginal residents. Based on this data an estimated 35% of Aboriginal people who rent properties in the private rental market paid over 30% of household income in rent. Amongst Aboriginal homeowners, an estimated 18% of owners require more than 30% of household income to meet mortgage repayments. Relatively high land values and rents within the region exacerbate this issue. Lack of affordable housing may also break down social and family connections as young people or older people from families who have traditionally resided in the area are forced to move outside the region in order to obtain affordable accommodation (Northern Beaches Key Worker Study, 2004). There is also research evidence that Aboriginal people living in urban areas may experience racism in the rental property market (National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, 2001, p3). There are local reports of overcrowding in accommodation causing stress on families. According to Census data, eight percent of Aboriginal households, compared with fi ve percent of the non- Aboriginal households are regarded as crowded. However the actual rate may be much higher. Aboriginal households in the Northern Sydney region on average had 2.8 people living in them compared to the average non-Aboriginal household with 2.6 people. Aboriginal households are more commonly larger than non-Aboriginal households and the proportion with six or more people in them was 1.8 times higher than that of non-Aboriginal households. The quality of housing available to low or medium income Aboriginal people is also of concern and may contribute to increased health problems or put inhabitants at risk of harm. On Census night 2001, roughly 1% of Aboriginal people in the Northern Sydney region lived in caravans, cabins or houseboats and 1.5% live outdoors or in improvised housing conditions. The proportion of people living in these circumstances is 17 times higher than for non- Aboriginal people. In addition to public housing provided by the Department of Housing, the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council (MLALC) leases houses to its members at reduced rents. Rents are utilised for the maintenance of residences and payment of rates. MLALC’s Housing Unit is also responsible for the lobbying for accommodation through the Aboriginal Housing Organisation and other government bodies. MLALC is currently working in close consultation with NSW Aboriginal Land Council for the development of an appropriate home ownership scheme that will assist members to purchase of their own houses. Key Objectives: In regard to Aboriginal housing needs our objectives are that: • the housing needs of Aboriginal individuals and families are identifi ed and specifi c support is provided • waiting lists for social housing are reduced and more emergency housing options provided • current Department of Housing and Aboriginal Housing Offi ce options are evaluated. Flags Flying, Manly Wharf page 38 Northern Sydney Aboriginal Social Plan 2007-2011
Page 2 and 3: Principal author of this document S
Page 4 and 5: Acknowledgements The Northern Sydne
Page 6 and 7: Acronyms ABS ACYFS AECG AHO AIATSIS
Page 8 and 9: Foreword It gives me great pleasure
Page 10: • The average income of Indigenou
Page 13 and 14: 5. Employment 5.1 The Northern Sydn
Page 15 and 16: Principles The initiatives of the N
Page 17 and 18: History of the Plan The development
Page 20 and 21: What Remains to be Done? While some
Page 22: Lane Cove National Park, Ryde Local
Page 25 and 26: Background to the Community Norther
Page 28 and 29: • strategic change indicators hav
Page 30 and 31: Planning priorities for the ACYFS i
Page 33 and 34: 1. Collaboration and Cooperation Th
Page 35 and 36: services is said to be poor to non-
Page 37 and 38: At present, specialist Aboriginal s
Page 39 and 40: 3. Education and Training The level
Page 41 and 42: Tertiary and Further Education (TAF
Page 43: work towards the social justice req
Page 47 and 48: 5. Employment The need for meaningf
Page 49 and 50: 6. Culture and Heritage Aboriginal
Page 51 and 52: Aboriginal Heritage In 2000, North
Page 53 and 54: Appendix A Demographic Profi le Det
Page 55 and 56: Population Growth Between 1996 and
Page 57 and 58: The Age Profi le The table below sh
Page 59 and 60: Age profiles of Northern Sydney’s
Page 61 and 62: Average persons per household, by b
Page 64 and 65: Average size of families 5 Living A
Page 66 and 67: Further Education On average, Abori
Page 68 and 69: Cost of Housing • Average cost of
Page 70 and 71: Industries The main industry where
Page 72 and 73: Computer Use • 45% of Aboriginal
Page 74 and 75: Lane Cove National Park May 7th 200
Page 76 and 77: Statutory Bodies in Indigenous Affa
Page 78 and 79: Appendix D New South Wales State Go
Page 80 and 81: • assisting Aboriginal people to
Page 82 and 83: The DADHC Aboriginal Policy Framewo
Page 84 and 85: Bibliography Australian Bureau of S
Page 86: page 79 Northern Sydney Aboriginal

Northern Sydney Aboriginal Social Plan

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