Reconciliation

We acknowledge the unequal outcomes that the criminal justice system has on Aboriginal children, families and communities.

Reconciliation Action Plan

We strongly support reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians and are developing our own Reconciliation Action Plan.

Cultural competency

We continually work to build cultural competency within the organisation, valuing diversity and developing respect for, and understanding of, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities.

Working together

We appreciate the skills, expertise and connections of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations. In partnership, we work together to deliver culturally specific programs and services. This approach has been successful in Wellington, Kempsey, and Cessnock where over 60% of clients are Aboriginal. Our Belonging to Family program in Kempsey, established in response to the needs identified by the local Corrective Services NSW and Indigenous communities on the Mid North Coast, is an enduring example. The program engages around 40 volunteer community Elders to support families.

We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to work with us. Currently 20% of staff and 10% of volunteers are Aboriginal and we aim to increase this to 30% Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander staff with our Aboriginal Employment Strategy.

Cultural events and resources

Together with local Aboriginal community organisations, we design and deliver activities across our Centres recognising events such as NAIDOC Week, National Sorry Day, Reconciliation Week and the Apology Anniversary.

We also design and distribute culturally appropriate resources for our programs, such as ‘Wurin yan, wurinwan binga, murra warra’; a resource to help Indigenous Women navigate the prison system. Our national Aboriginal brand, created by a local Aboriginal designer, is part of our direct service delivery to help us better communicate with Aboriginal clients. The specifically branded uniforms are worn at many of our Centres as well as for program activities and events.

Connecting with community

Our strong connections with local communities help us build trusting relationships with high-risk children, young people and families.

We have positive relationships with local Aboriginal Lands Councils, Justice Groups, Child and Family Support Groups, Women’s Health and Welfare Inclusion programs, Legal Services and Early Childhood Services across the locations where we deliver programs.