A strategy is being developed to boost aboriginal employment opportunities in the north west.

Key stakeholders, including employment service providers, training organisations and schools attended a regional forum in Gunnedah, to pinpoint what areas need attention.

Northern INland Regional Development Board chairman, Merryl Dillon says whether it’s about training, whether it’s about job development, mentoring.

The strategy will apply to the Gunnedah, Narrabri and Liverpool Plains areas.

Aborginal Education officer Helen Likorish says I think it’s an excellent program to break down the barriers in the community that not all blacks are bad and we do have a brain and we can do things.