Community voice
Strengthening self-determination and sustainability
Improving outcomes for and engagement with First Nations families
Seeing the clear benefits of self-determination, and program delivery by ACCOs for First Nations families, HIPPY Australia has committed to supporting the transition of First Nations-focused sites from mainstream organisations to ACCO (Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation) providers or ACCO-led partnerships, where determined appropriate by the local community.
HIPPY's First Nations-focused HIPPY sites were set up with a focus on recruiting and delivering HIPPY to First Nations families, so it is appropriate that those communities have a key say in how the service is delivered, while also acknowledging that HIPPY is also a program that continues to welcome and support families from all backgrounds.
Over 25 HIPPY communities are working towards strengthening self-determination and sustainability, see their locations on the map above and read about their journeys by clicking on the cards at the bottom of this page.
Listening to local communities
Listening to and valuing local community voices lies at the heart of this initiative.
Each participating community has been visited by an independent Aboriginal organisation - either SNAICC or CCC - who have spoken to members of the local community, including HIPPY staff, HIPPY families, local community members, Elders and Traditional, and local ACCOs, documenting views and opinions in a community voice report.
The community voice report is central in deciding how HIPPY Australia can ensure improved engagement and outcomes for First Nations families in HIPPY. Ultimately all decisions on whether an ACCO or ACCO-led partnership will deliver HIPPY in a community, or if it continues to be run by its current provider, is led by community voice, with the outcome being different at each HIPPY site.
Moving forward together
Any changes of provider at HIPPY sites will occur collaboratively with a focus on supporting families enrolled in the program and the opportunity for powerful change. Successful outcomes rest on the combined skills and knowledge of old and new HIPPY providers.
When local services are connected and complement each other, families can only benefit from the integrated and effective impact those relationships foster. HIPPY Australia hopes that with any change of provider, both old and new organisations will continue to work alongside each other into the future.
Current 'mainstream' HIPPY providers at First Nations-focused sites are passionate, skilled and experienced at working in their communities - and it is noteworthy that in the instances when their is program handover, it is not because of their quality of work, but instead that they recognise the opportunity presented for greater benefits to families.
These providers' involvement is essential to supporting families and the program. We appreciate their accomplishments over their years delivering HIPPY, their input in changing lives, and their commitment to a future where First Nations families and all families are best set up to thrive.
