Published on Thursday, 20 March 2025 at 11:14:37 AM
Kununurra, Western Australia – The Wunan Foundation is proud to be featured in the 2025 National Close the Gap Report, released this week by the Close the Gap Campaign Alliance Group. This annual publication highlights the successes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-led organisations while holding government agencies accountable for their commitments under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
As one of only ten Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) featured in this year's report, the Wunan Foundation is honoured to have our work in the East Kimberley recognised on a national platform.
Wunan was acknowledged for our leadership in the Stronger ACCOs, Stronger Families project where we delivered Phase Two of this initiative, working with 12 communities across Australia to transition early childhood services for Indigenous children into the hands of local Aboriginal-led organisations.
Led by our General Manager of Community Services, Elise O’Sullivan, and General Manager of Early Years, Elizabeth Cox, Wunan facilitated workshops between ACCO and non-ACCO partners to establish shared goals, improve service delivery, and transitional programs.
“One of the most important outcomes of this work was ensuring that all partners fully understood that there is a quality that cannot be replicated when services are delivered by community, for community,” Elizabeth said.
This year’s Closing the Gap report focuses on the themes of agency, leadership, and reform, emphasising the critical role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership in shaping meaningful change.
“Wunan is demonstrating how Aboriginal and non-Indigenous groups can work together in genuine partnerships that respect Aboriginal leadership, acknowledge power imbalances, and value the cultural determinants of health and wellbeing. Our vision is to build a future in the East Kimberley where Aboriginal people can enjoy stronger, more independent lives, while delivering measurable outcomes to achieve Closing the Gap targets.” said Elise.
While progress has been made, Wunan continues to advocate for systemic change, noting that government funding models often impose constraints that do not align with community needs. Elise commented:
“Too often, governments try to fit a square peg into a round hole when it comes to funding Aboriginal organisations, imposing rigid parameters that overlook local solutions. Meanwhile, non-Indigenous organisations can sometimes approach partnerships with assumptions that don’t always reflect the strengths and expertise Aboriginal leaders bring.”
Elizabeth added, “Aboriginal team members bring a wealth of knowledge about culture, history, language, and non-verbal communication, but also understand the business and operational needs and know how to bring people together to get a good outcome. Aboriginal leadership to me means that I can walk in both worlds.”
The Wunan Foundation remains dedicated to fostering long-term partnerships and advocating for policies that enable Aboriginal communities to lead the way in Closing the Gap. Wunan empowers Aboriginal people by driving sustainable opportunities across education, employment, leadership, housing, health, and commercial investment.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Prue Jenkins
Chief Executive Officer
Wunan Foundation
0499 997 940
wunanceo@wunan.org.au
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