Building a brighter future for First Nations Australians

Partner with us as we help change the future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

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Building a brighter future for First Nations Australians

Partner with us as we help change the future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

Donate

Working to serve First Nations communities

During this time of global uncertainty and the far-reaching consequence of COVID-19 we continue to partner with First Nations communities and organisations, supporting them to face the challenges of widespread inequality, discrimination, cultural disconnection, and now, COVID-19.

Since 1974, we’ve been adapting our successful community-led development approach to support First Nations communities to lead their own development and will continue to support them during this time by:

Maintaining current programming and supporting local vocational development

Using technology and online platforms to tutor and train staff, including training focused on hygiene, social distancing, infection control and mitigating the spread of COVID-19 and the flu.

Delivering early, middle childhood and youth education programs

Developed for vulnerable children and families with an additional emphasis on sanitation, social distancing and infection control using innovative modes of delivery and support tailored to the specifics of community location, focus and needs.

Responding to the increased risks to community wellbeing from COVID-19

Providing continued support to the communities and families we work with who are at increased risk of isolation and illness due to COVID-19; guided by advice from communities to develop responses that are culturally safe and community-led.

Undertaking local, regional, state and national advocacy initiatives

Supporting First Nations advocacy calls and responding to emerging issues to ensure community needs are being met - includes a primary focus on advocating for the continuity of children’s education through various initiatives.

Getting the best start possible

Without access to locally-run playgroups and support for parents, First Nation children can fall behind in developmental milestones. We partner with remote Aboriginal communities and employ local women who facilitate playgroups to support children and parents, conducted in both traditional language and English to increase "both-ways" learning. When we invest in a child’s early years, we invest in their future.

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There are twice as many First Nations children considered developmentally vulnerable compared to non-Indigenous children.

Inspiring future leaders

Connection to culture is an important factor in the health, social and emotional wellbeing of First Nations youth. The Young Mob Program helps First Nations youth build stronger connections to their culture and empowers them to grow their leadership and life skills to become the next generation of change-makers.

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More than one third of First Nations students do not complete year 12.

Strength in mainstream and traditional culture

With strong culture, language and connections to country, the challenge for some First Nation communities is tackling unfair mainstream education, economic, housing and the justice systems. The Martu Leadership Program helps strengthen the leadership capacities of Martu men and women, so they can better shape their own futures and lead their own development.

Half of the young people locked up by the Justice system are Aboriginal.

Challenging domestic violence

Family violence is often a topic kept private, but this secrecy can cause more harm. Channels of Hope is a culture and faith-based program that aims to combat gender-based violence through sessions about family harmony, respectful relationships and violence prevention. In collaboration and partnership with local communities, we explore ways to combat violence together.

In Australia, First Nations women are 35 times more likely to be hospitalised due to family violence than non-Indigenous women.

How you can make a difference

Join us to partner with First Nations communities as we support them to lead their own development and create a life in all its fullness for their children and families. You can be part of this journey and a part of our shared story – connecting with, and listening to, the voice of First Nations people. Together, we can continue serving these communities and help them combat COVID-19 - creating a stronger future for all.

What we achieved in 2018

466

playgroup sessions and 20 family bush trips delivered in 10 remote communities

357

students participated in 236 Young Mob sessions in NSW and VIC

56

faith and community leaders participated in violence prevention workshops and are leading change in their communities

What we achieved in 2018

466

playgroup sessions and 20 family bush trips delivered in 10 remote communities

357

students participated in 236 Young Mob sessions in NSW and VIC

56

faith and community leaders participated in violence prevention workshops and are leading change in their communities

How you can make a difference

We invite you to partner with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as we support them to lead their own development and create a life in all its fullness for their children and families. You can be a part of this journey and a part of our shared story – connecting with and listening to the voice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Together, we can create stronger future for all.