The (NCIE) National Centre of Indigenous Excellence has been told abruptly that it will close its doors to the community in 7 days. 

Despite a 2019 Social Impact report that found for every $1 invested into NCIE there is a $3 social impact return on investment. These findings alone should be amplifying investment into this space, not shutting it down!

The service is currently home to critical Aboriginal Community Controlled programs and services such as Redfern Youth Connect and Tribal Warrior Associations Clean Slate Without Prejudice program. 

Community are meeting 1pm at NCIE 2nd August to mobilise and discuss next steps, the sentiment locally is that there has been an absolute failing of community consultation and engagement around the impact of these decision on the communities and families that access them. 

My own children as with many others both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal from around Redfern/Waterloo and the city access this service and facility. It is critical it remains open. 

Please show your support to community by signing this petition and calling on the relevant parties involved in the closing of this centre to sit with the Aboriginal leaders/community and organisations present at the NCIE to navigate a solution so that access to the facility and service is not taken away.

Further information can be seen in media here https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/aug/01/its-devastating-redfern-social-enterprise-to-close-after-indigenous-groups-unable-to-reach-agreement

For up to date information from community organisations on the ground, follow the social media accounts of;

Redfern Youth Connect 

Tribal Warrior Aboriginal Corporation

Permission for the creation of this petition received from Uncle Shane Phillips