A Sydney-based organisation supporting men in the criminal justice system will continue to run a vital transport service thanks to new funding from the Minns Labor Government.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris announced the $200,000 of funding for Rainbow Lodge’s Ngaramura service, to be delivered over two years, at its recent AGM.
Established in 1964, Rainbow Lodge is based in the Inner-West suburb of Glebe and provides culturally safe support for Aboriginal people across NSW.
The Ngaramura (‘See the Way’ in Gadigal language) service transports Aboriginal people from remand to residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation centres or, in some cases, to their families.
Without the Ngaramura service, the clients would not be able to access treatment as courts are often reluctant to grant bail if there is no reliable transport available.
This funding will provide Rainbow Lodge with the financial certainty for the service to continue to operate until at least the end of 2026.
Ngaramura transport service will continue to help with the government commitment to Close the Gap by reducing incarceration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and improving health outcomes.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:
“Rainbow Lodge has a long history of supporting Aboriginal people in the criminal justice system with a focus on healing, culture and community. This grant will support them to continue their vital work.
“The Ngaramura service will help lower incarceration rates by continuing to support clients to meet their bail conditions and have access to culturally appropriate drug and alcohol rehabilitation services.
“I am proud the Minns Labor Government is continuing to support crucial services like this to ensure positive outcomes for Aboriginal people in our state.”
Claude Robinson, Manager of Rainbow Lodge said:
“This grant will allow us to safely transport up to 70 Aboriginal people from custody to treatment and support services across NSW every year.
“It will make a big difference in helping Aboriginal people to meet their bail conditions and, in many cases, avoid custodial sentencing.
“Our drivers – who are all Aboriginal – also offer counselling while transporting clients. The drivers support our clients to reconnect with their culture. That wasn’t the focus when we first established the transport service, but it has become an essential part of what we do.”
MEDIA: Matt Porter | Minister Harris| 0407 239 578
