Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation

Aboriginal Community
Controlled Organisation (ACCO)

Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO)

Elders

Elders are central to Aboriginal ways of working, serving as custodians of cultural knowledge, wisdom, and community values. Their guidance is essential in ensuring that traditional knowledge is respected and that cultural practices are upheld across generations.

Elders provide insight, context, and historical understanding, fostering a deep sense of identity and belonging within communities. In professional and service-oriented settings, the inclusion of Elders ensures that Aboriginal ways of working are respected, enhancing programs and services with cultural authenticity and relevance. Through their role as mentors and advisors, Elders support younger generations, offering a safe space to discuss challenges, learn through storytelling, and connect with cultural heritage. Their presence in decision-making processes brings balance, cultural grounding, and ethical direction, ensuring that Aboriginal perspectives shape policies and practices. Elders are not only the voice of cultural authority but also pillars of support and continuity, bridging the past and present while guiding future generations 

Yeah. And that’s the importance of having Aboriginal staff because they really are the link to the community, being across all areas of schemes. They hold the knowledge and connections that make a difference.

- Aunty Elsie,
Aboriginal Practice Advisor