Almost a third of the children and teenagers in Anglicare Victoria’s care identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, and we recognise the power cultural heritage has in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

You can’t be what you can’t see.

Co-led by AV’s Cultural Operations Leads Aunty Kellie Hunter (Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung) and Uncle Les Corlett (Wiradjuri and Gunditjmara), along with Program Manager David Law, our Buldau Yioohgen Youth Leadership Academy gives young people the opportunity to connect with their Culture through life-changing on-Country camps, learn from Elders, and access job opportunities and mentorships through the program’s partner organisations – to help them imagine an exciting future for themselves.

The young people in this program will meet representatives from cultural and sporting cultural organisations, as well as essential service providers like firefighters, police and defence organisations such as the Royal Australian Air Force, who can support them through work experience and employment pathways. They’ll go to the Australian Open, Maria Island, Darwin and the ancient lands of Lake Mungo, meeting Aboriginal Elders and engaging in activities including painting workshops and making their own possum skin cloaks.

Buldau Yioohgen partners with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, including VACCA (Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency) and BDAC (Bendigo and District Aboriginal Cooperative), drawing on their cultural knowledge to provide a deeper and more respectful experience.