Aboriginal Representative Organisations – Request for Application

Overview The Department of Communities (Communities), on behalf of the Children and Community Services Ministerial Body, invites applications from eligible Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) seeking approval as Aboriginal Representative Organisations (AROs) in Western Australia. About The approach to this Request for Application (RFA) has been informed by previous engagement with the ACCO sector, including a Registration of Interest process and feedback received throughout the development of the ARO initiative. Purpose The ARO initiative aims to strengthen Aboriginal participation in decisions affecting Aboriginal children and young people by providing independent cultural advice, local knowledge and support to maintain connections to family, culture, community and Country. Scope Applications are invited for ARO services across the following regions of Western Australia: North Metropolitan South Metropolitan East Kimberley West Kimberley Pilbara Goldfields Midwest Gascoyne Wheatbelt Great Southern South-West Applicants should refer to the RFA documentation for the applicable regional requirements, geographical boundaries and proposed service delivery arrangements. Eligibility This RFA differs from a standard competitive procurement process, as it supports the statutory approval of Aboriginal Representative Organisations under the relevant legislative framework. While the process incorporates principles of fairness, transparency, accountability and consistency, applications will be considered against the eligibility and suitability requirements outlined in the RFA and associated documentation. The assessment and approval process is distinct from any subsequent commissioning and Service Agreement arrangements. Interested ACCOs are encouraged to carefully review the RFA documentation, including the eligibility and suitability criteria, regional requirements, supporting evidence requirements and application instructions. Tender Briefing Communities will host a non-mandatory briefing webinar to provide interested ACCOs with information about the ARO initiative and the application process. Date: Wednesday, 28 October 2026 Time: 11:00am to 12:00pm AWST Format: Virtual briefing (live online webinar, which will be recorded) Webinar access: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/8fe80566-b568-4da1-8079-08fb039c73ba@99036377-c0d4-4dde-be9e-1bac0c850429 The briefing will provide an overview of the ARO regulations, eligibility and suitability requirements, the application and assessment process, and practical guidance on using Tenders WA and preparing an application. Supporting presentation materials are intended to be made available during the advertising period, and the webinar recording is intended to be made available during the advertising period. Participation in the webinar is non-mandatory and is not a requirement for submitting an application. Where relevant, additional information or clarifications arising from the briefing may be published through Tenders WA to ensure all applicants have access to the same information. Instructions to Tenderers Interested organisations are encouraged to ensure they are registered with Tenders WA and that their nominated contact details, including email addresses, are current and accurate. Applicants should enable relevant email notifications and regularly monitor the RFA advertisement for updates, clarifications and addenda throughout the application period. Organisations should not rely solely on automated email notifications and should ensure they have accessed the most current RFA documentation before submitting their application. Tenders WA: https://www.tenders.wa.gov.au/ Applications must be prepared and lodged in accordance with the requirements and instructions outlined in the RFA documentation. Applicants should ensure that all required application forms, declarations and supporting evidence are completed and included. Organisations are encouraged to allow sufficient time for applications and avoid leaving lodgement until the closing date. Late applications cannot be accepted. Applicants are requested to submit questions in accordance with the communication and clarification requirements outlined in the RFA documentation. Where appropriate, responses to enquiries that may be relevant to other applicants will be communicated through Tenders WA. Enquiries All enquiries relating to the RFA must be directed to the nominated contact: Community Services Procurement, Department of Communities Email: communityservicesprocurement@communities.wa.gov.au