MALLEE District Aboriginal Services’ (MDAS) priorities and focus have been “reset”, with the launch of a new strategic plan “reflecting traditional values, a new vision and strategic priorities”.
MDAS board chair Damien Murray said the three-year plan set out the vision, purpose and values of the organisation and outlined how MDAS would strengthen its service delivery to meet the future needs of the community.
“MDAS has a long and proud history of delivering on its vision, purpose and values by providing high-quality services to individuals, families and our community and advancing their self-determination,” Mr Murray said.
“As an organisation, we have faced several challenges over the past 18 months and our strategic initiatives will ensure we continue to meet our legislative and operating requirements while delivering on community expectations.”
Developed from a series of consultations with members, elders, community and staff, Mr Murray said the MDAS Strategic Plan – Our People, Our Journey, Our Destiny reset MDAS’s priorities and focus.
“We’ve outlined the strategic initiatives we will implement to build on our existing services and guide the transformation of our structure and systems to position our organisation among the leading Aboriginal service providers in the country,” he said.
“Implementation of the plan will build on trusted relationships with our communities and stakeholders across the Mallee region, and under the leadership of chief executive Jacki Turfrey, the MDAS board looks forward to working with our community to create a strong future for our people.”
Ms Turfrey said the development of the plan was underpinned by MDAS LORE, which honoured the stories and customs of Aboriginal people.
“Our LORE – Land, Origin, Respect, Elders – informs who we are, what we do and why we do it,” she said.
“MDAS is on a journey of continued reform and it’s important our strategic approach reflects the resources, funding and governance required to support the growth of our business, while representing the cultural values of our people, who are at the heart of what we do.
“This plan demonstrates our commitment to partnering with our members, elders and community in our service delivery to engage, educate and empower our people in their journey to self-determination.”
