SNAICC is proud to release a significant new research report entitled Opening Doors through Partnerships: Practical approaches to developing genuine partnerships that address Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community needs. In the context of a current nation-wide policy focus on service delivery partnerships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations, and mainstream service providers, this paper addresses important questions in unpacking partnership rhetoric to identify elements of genuine partnership development:
- What do genuine partnerships require at different stages of partnership development, operation and management?
- What resources and practical support are required to enable genuine partnerships?
- What are practical approaches that contribute to successful partnerships?
The report profiles the experience of nine different partnerships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations, and mainstream non-government and government service providers. It draws on the knowledge, experience and wisdom of service partnership leaders to detail the principles underpinning successful partnerships and the practices that are supporting genuine partnership development in children and family services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The report contains valuable learning tools, including detailed case studies that enable learning from practice, and a matrix that aligns important partnership principles with practical approaches.