This case study of the Maranguka Cross Sector Leadership Group offers insights for government and non-government organisations wishing to align policy and resources towards supporting community-led agendas for change.

The case study examines a previously unexplored aspect of Maranguka – the Maranguka Cross Sector Leadership Group (CSLG), a key site of interaction and direct engagement between local Aboriginal community leadership and government and non-government organisations. The evolution and story of the Maranguka CSLG offers important lessons for those wishing to support and respond to Aboriginal community leadership – including politicians, government agencies, philanthropists and service providers.

The report also includes forewords from Teya Dusseldorp (Dusseldorp Forum CEO) and Brad Hazzard MP (NSW Health Minister) and Medical Research and Ministerial Champion for the Bourke Community and Maranguka.

The research highlights four key factors involved in the Maranguka Cross Sector Leadership Group:

1. strong community leadership to which other partners align their activities;
2. the commitment, time and skills required to engage in deep collaboration and build trust around a common purpose;
3. the importance of authorisation, including the need to respect Cultural Authority, and the role of political leaders in giving ‘permission’ to act; and
4. different levels of accountability, formalised through milestone documents, structures and processes which lay the groundwork and tone for future activity.