Building better systems: What ACCO transitions are teaching us

The transition of programs to First Nations organisations represents a significant shift in how services are governed and delivered, and a broader transformation in how systems change. Guided by community leadership and self‑determination, it shows what becomes possible when systems share power and work in genuine partnership with Elders, families and local Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs).

Across 2024–2025, 21 Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY) sites transitioned to local First Nations providers, with a further 7 communities choosing partnership models that embed cultural governance. The process highlighted the importance of community‑based engagement, flexible funding, and investment in organisational capacity, not just capability. It also revealed the need for a national transition framework to support consistent, culturally grounded approaches across the sector.

This year the Australian Government invested an additional $2 million to extend the Hoops 4 Wealth program in the Northern Territory, expanding access to financial capability support for people experiencing financial vulnerability. Delivered in partnership between Hoops 4 Health and BSL, the program provides culturally informed, face‑to‑face education on everyday financial matters, including banking, superannuation, scams, debt and gambling. Sessions are delivered in language and grounded in local knowledge, combining practical tools with community leadership and shared learning. More than 250 participants have already completed the program, with up to 400 more expected to benefit from the extension. The initiative forms part of a broader suite of community‑led financial wellbeing programs, reinforcing the value of culturally embedded delivery, place‑based design, and sustained investment to strengthen financial resilience in remote and regional communities.

Our upcoming BSL Talks, hosted by Travers McLeod, Executive Director of BSL, brings together perspectives on what this work and other First Nations partnerships have taught us. The discussion will explore themes such as cultural governance, power sharing, community‑based engagement, capacity vs capability, and the evolving role of ally organisations. This conversation invites practitioners, policymakers and community partners to consider how we build systems that honour self‑determination, strengthen cultural leadership and support families and children to grow strong in culture.

Our speakers:

Catherine Liddle, CEO of SNAICC - National Voice for our Children

An Arrernte/Luritja woman from Central Australia, Catherine is the CEO for SNAICC – National Voice for our Children, the national non-governmental peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children that works for the fulfilment of the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, in particular to ensure their safety, development and wellbeing.

Rowena Mouda, CEO of Ngunga Group Womens Aboriginal Corporation

Rowena Mouda is an Aboriginal leader from the West Kimberley and CEO of Ngunga Group Women’s Aboriginal Corporation. With more than 30 years’ experience in early years, community and economic development, she leads programs that strengthen children, families, culture and community capability across Derby, Mowanjum and Pandanus Park. Rowena is widely recognised for her leadership in community-led change, cross-sector collaboration and place-based initiatives, and serves on several Aboriginal boards supporting cultural revival, early years development, sacred site protection and economic opportunities for Aboriginal families.

Timmy Duggan OAM, Founder and CEO of Hoops 4 Health

Timmy Duggan OAM is a respected First Nations leader and the Founder and CEO of Hoops 4 Health Australia. For more than 30 years, he has championed the health, wellbeing and empowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through culturally grounded programs that combine sport, leadership, mentoring and financial wellbeing. His work has created lasting social impact for young people, families and communities across Australia.

Contact the host of BSL Talks - Building better systems

There were 0 errors found in the information you submitted: