An Aboriginal Land Council in the Grafton region will deliver a diversionary program for young people with the support of a grant from Aboriginal Affairs NSW.
The $250,000 grant will support Jana Ngalee Local Aboriginal Land Council to redirect young offenders from the justice system and provide a pathway for them to reach their full potential through cultural programs, supervision, mentoring, training and support.
Ramona Walker, Chairperson of Jana Ngalee Local Aboriginal Land Council, spoke about the impact of the grant, and how it will be used.
“We want to break the cycle of our young people ending up in the justice system, or not finishing school or getting hooked on drugs or alcohol. We want to see our young people reach their full potential and gain access to education.”
The Greg Inglis Goanna Academy program and Bundjalung business Agency in Design will be a key part of this program with activities and workshops planned with both Aboriginal organisations.
“Goanna Academy program will work with community members on mental and emotional health and wellbeing skills, knowledge and support to help end the stigma surrounding mental health,” said Ramona.
Bundjalung business Agency in Design will hold workshops in website design, ecommerce and design skills, social media, branding and design skills facilitated by Sheldon Harrington and Josh Creighton.
“The young people will work with a Bundjalung film maker to make films to share their culture and knowledge,” said Ramona.
The cultural camp will allow young people to connect with their culture, Country and Elders, participate in cultural activities and workshops, disconnect from their devices and create the opportunity for Community Project Officers to lead and deliver a community led camp.
The Aboriginal Affairs NSW Community and Place Grants specifically support Aboriginal community organisations to Close the Gap.
“The program will reduce the rate of Aboriginal young people (10-17 years) in detention by diverting young offenders from the justice system and providing a pathway for them to reach their full potential,” said Ramona.
“We will also work to increase the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth (15-24 years) who are in employment, education or training through Project Officers supporting young people to attend distance education and running NSW TAFE programs in the community.”
