This presentation introduces a strengths based Aboriginal framework that supports more effective, sustainable development across Northern Australia. Led by Scott Gorringe OAM, CEO of MurriMatters and a nationally recognised Engoori practitioner, the session explores how deficit discourse continues to influence policy, program design, workforce planning and engagement across Government, industry and community sectors. These deficit narratives often undermine cultural authority, diminish local agency, and weaken the relationships required for long term, place based development.
Scott will unpack how identifying and reframing deficit discourse can immediately improve trust, strengthen collaboration, and create more culturally grounded systems of decision making. Central to the session is the Engoori methodology — an Aboriginal, strengths based approach built on relationships, respect, shared story and accountability to Country. Engoori offers a practical structure for shifting development practice from problem fixing to recognising and amplifying local capability, identity and leadership.
The presentation will demonstrate how organisations can move beyond generic cultural awareness training toward genuine partnership models that support co design, shared governance, economic participation and community defined outcomes. Through case examples from Queensland, the NT, WA and Victoria, Scott will show how people, place and development can be linked through frameworks that honour cultural authority, deepen engagement and embed long term capability transfer.
Delegates will leave with practical tools to integrate Aboriginal ways of knowing, being and doing into their work, and to build the kinds of partnerships essential for a prosperous and culturally grounded Northern Australia.