About
Aboriginal Representative Organisations (AROs) play a vital role in supporting Aboriginal children and young people in care to maintain and strengthen their connections to culture, community, family and Country.
The organisations are recognised by local communities as holding cultural knowledge and are able to provide relevant information and advice to the Department of Communities (Communities) to ensure placement decisions for Aboriginal children in care align with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Child Placement Principle.
Currently ARO services are provided in two regions in Western Australia:
- Armadale region by Yorganop Association
- Kimberley region by Aarnja Ltd
The two regions were identified as part of a pilot program to test the service model across metropolitan and regional contexts and ensure it is culturally grounded, place based and responsive to community needs.
Following the pilot, the State Government committed $1.3 million to continue ARO service delivery in Armadale and the Kimberley, allowing the service model to be further developed beyond its initial 12 month trial.
On 9 May 2024, Communities received confirmation of an additional $2.85 million to continue and strengthen ARO services in both regions until 31 October 2026.
In 2026 the State Budget will include $37.7 million to fund expansion of the Aboriginal Representative Organisations (ARO) program for a further four years, delivering on a legislative obligation to empower Aboriginal organisations to lead consultation in support of improved decision-making and cultural outcomes for children and families in contact with the child protection system.
View the Ministerial media statement.
Legislative reform and ARO program expansion
Communities is progressing significant legislative reform through the Children and Community Services Amendment Act 2021 (the Amendment Act) to increase cultural authority and safety for Aboriginal children and families when making a placement arrangement.
On 19 October 2021, the Amendment Act received Royal Assent. The provisions in the Act relating to AROs are yet to be proclaimed. When the relevant provisions of the Amendment Act are proclaimed, the Act will require Communities to engage AROs in placement consultations and provide opportunity to participate in the preparation of the cultural support plan for Aboriginal children in the care of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Department.
ACCO Engagement
Following a Registration of Interest process in April 2026, Communities’ Priority Initiatives Aboriginal Engagement team have been Yarning On Country with interested ACCOs and stakeholders statewide. Communities thank those who engaged with the team to share their wisdom and vision for their region and Community.
The team are now reviewing the Commissioning approach for AROs to make sure that Communities has a clear process for interested ACCOs to seek to be approved as AROs and delivery this service. This review takes account of all the valuable contributions that were heard while Yarning.
Communities will provide updates to all ACCOs on how to apply as soon as this is finalised and approved.
To view a list of questions received during the recent Yarns on Country visit:
Aboriginal Representative Organisations - Frequently Asked Questions
ACCO support and strengthening
Communities is committed to supporting ACCOs and strengthening the ACCO sector in line with the ACCO Strategy 2022-2032.
Information about specific support to be made available to respondents interested in providing the ARO program will be provided as part of future procurement processes.
Where to get more information
If you have any enquiries about AROs and/or the statewide expansion, please contact: ARO.ROI@communities.wa.gov.au.
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