New MOU Celebrates Collaboration and Cultural Respect

Ngarrindjeri Ruwe Empowered Communities (NREC) and Coorong District Council have officially strengthened their ongoing relationship with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Tuesday, 1 July 2025.

The agreement was signed during NAIDOC Week celebrations at the Council Chambers in Tailem Bend, marking a significant step forward in collaboration between the two organisations.

The MOU provides a framework for cooperation and the exploration of mutually beneficial opportunities, reinforcing a shared commitment to respectful engagement and community development.

Vice Chairperson Uncle Laurie Rankine (Snr) signed on behalf of NREC, while Mayor Paul Simmons signed on behalf of the Coorong District Council.

“By signing this MOU, it brings our two organisations closer and establishes a framework under which we can both explore opportunities for collaboration, NREC has been working successfully with the Rural City of Murray Bridge under a similar agreement, and it is pleasing now to be able to extend our formal engagement with local government to include Coorong District Council,” says NREC’s Chief Executive Officer Aunty Margi Sumner.

“This MOU is about doing business together in a way that respects the culture and expectations of each organisation. The MOU is not binding for either organisation in that it does not obligate us to undertake joint ventures. However, it does commit us to talking, sharing information and considering opportunities which might be beneficial to both NREC and Council,” says Mayor Paul Simmons.

The signing of the MOU during celebrations for NAIDOC Week highlights the importance of cultural recognition, partnership, and shared progress.

Both NREC and Coorong District Council look forward to a long-lasting and supportive relationship underpinned by mutual understanding and respect.

-ENDS-

Contact:

Myles Somers

ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | COORONG DISTRICT COUNCIL

Phone: 1300 785 277 | E: council@coorong.sa.gov.au

Aunty Margi Sumner

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | NGARRINDJERI RUWE EMPOWERED COMMUNITIES

Phone: 8532 5763 | E: admin@nrec.org.au