The plight of some disadvantaged indigenous communities is well publicised in the Australian media. A story less frequently told is how the actions of groups and individuals can turn the lives of the most at-risk Australians around, and reverse generations of poverty, welfare dependence and neglect.

Since the mid-1970s, World Vision has worked alongside Indigenous communities throughout Australia to facilitate change and development. As with our work anywhere in the world, World Vision believes that changing children’s lives requires work to develop and strengthen families and communities.

At the moment, World Vision is working across Australia on a number of such partnership programs, which include:

• Warlpiri Early Childhood Care and Development Project
• Wetenngerr Leadership and Governance Project
• Sydney Koori Leadership Project
• Armadale Youth Program
• Mapoon Home Ownership Project

Our work with Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander communities relies on the support – both financial and non-financial – of ordinary Australians who share a desire to bring about lasting positive change.

From donating to our Linking Hands indigenous partnerships program to considering art purchases from Birrung – a World Vision-sponsored indigenous art gallery – there is much that people can do to support our Indigenous Australians.

World Vision also encourages people to lobby governments at all levels to give appropriate attention to indigenous concerns. It’s clear to all that the practices and policies of the past have not created social justice for indigenous populations.

Adding your voice to calls for increased tolerance, support and equality can make a difference.