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Eden Aboriginal elders have said this town is bucking the trend when it comes to Closing the Gap.
With key targets identified in the Closing the Gap report not being met, according to the figures released last week, Eden Aboriginal Elder Ossie Stewart said Eden could be encouraged by the good news stories happening in the area.
According to the alarming report, almost 15,000 Aboriginal children children are in care across Australia.
But Mr Stewart said things have vastly improved for the local Aboriginal community.
"For the elders, our health has improved due to programs like Aunty Jean's Healthy Lifestyle Program, meals on wheels and receiving help around the house," Mr Stewart said.
"I think the situation in Eden has improved a lot since I first came here about 50 years ago.
"People had a lot of prejudices back then, people didn't mix but now I could mix with anyone.
"The young people are getting better. They can't change overnight but they are slowly learning things like care of place and motivation, especially with projects like the Bundian Way moving along."
Mr Stewart feels positive about the advancements in the local area to Aborigianl affiars, such as easier access to Jigamy Farm with buses now able to turn in and the advent of the Bundian Way.
Last Friday was the 7th anniversary of the apology to the Stolen Generations and the issue is a personal one for Mr Stewart.
"I was a (member of the) Stolen Generation. Back when I lived in Batemans Bay I was taken and placed in foster care in Marrickville, Sydney.
"I used to wag (school) and go to the zoo, steal canaries and then sell them.
"Ossie Cruse (local Pastor) had a lot to do with us moving down here."
Mr Stewart recognises the importance of education for young people and how much it has improved since he was at school.
"There are AEOs (Aboriginal Education officers) in schools now for the Aboriginal students which is good, but some schools think if they don't have Aboriginal students they don't need AEOs but they definitely do.
"AEOs should be there for the teachers as well so that everyone has that connection to culture," Mr Stewart said.
Mr Stewart said that though change is slow it is happening and Eden is going in the right direction.
"Jigamy is coming along really well. We've got a cafe upstairs, us elders get out there two days a week, and there are all sorts of great things happening like dances and music nights.
"And we're getting a lot more on the menu very soon," Mr Stewart said.