Reconciliation

We acknowledge the true Custodians of the land on which we work and live.  We recognise their continuing connection to country and community. We pay respect to Elders past, present and future.

Anglicare Victoria (AV) respects our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and diversity. We recognise the impact of past and current injustices. We value, celebrate and learn from Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander culture and traditions, and we listen with joy and humility.

We stand for self-determination

With Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children making up around thirty per cent of all children in AV’s care, we are uniquely placed to support the strengthening of future generations of our First Peoples. We honour this privileged opportunity by creating environments that foster self-determination and empowerment for young people and their communities.

We aim to work collaboratively to improve the daily lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities in pursuit of justice and equality.

Connecting with culture

AV’s Senior Cultural Operations Lead, Aunty Kellie Hunter, Wurundjeri​​​​​ and Cultural Engagement Advisor, Uncle Les Corlett, Wiradjuri and Gunditjmara, work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people involved with the Buldau Yioohgen Youth Leadership Academy to help strengthen their cultural identity and awareness. They work with Program Managers and Team Leaders in a range of Out of Home Care services providing cultural advice, leadership and awareness.

Cultural support ensures that we work effectively, respectfully and sensitively with Aboriginal children, young people, families and communities.

Buldau Yioohgen | Indigenous Youth Leadership Academy

Members of Anglicare Victoria's Indigenous Leadership Academy in Lake Mungo

Buldau Yioohgen, meaning “Big Dreams” in Woiwurrung language, is AV’s Indigenous Youth Leadership Academy. The program provides a welcoming, culturally safe and supportive environment, and encourages our Indigenous youth to think big beyond their current life circumstances.

Led by AV’s Senior Cultural Operations Lead, Aunty Kellie Hunter, Wurundjeri​​​​​ and Cultural Engagement Advisor, Uncle Les Corlett, Wiradjuri and Gunditjmara​​​​​​​, Buldau Yioohgen provides vulnerable young Indigenous people located in rural, regional and metropolitan Victoria with opportunities to strengthen their connection to culture. With community by their side, it then offers exposure to professional work environments that might otherwise be difficult to access.

 

The program brings together community, cultural and sporting groups to support young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as they strive towards their educational, employment and leadership goals. It links young people with community Elders, industry and cultural experiences with partner organisations including Tennis Australia, Opera Australia, Australian National Academy of Music, Melbourne Victory FC, Darley International Stud and Federation University.

Darrango yan-dhan | AV’s Cultural Centre

“Darrango yan-dhan” which means ‘young walking together’ in the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri people, is AV’s cultural centre.

Darrango yan-dhan is a culturally safe place where young Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people from across AV can come together and connect with each other, access cultural support and advice, and meet with Elders and other respected members of the Aboriginal community.

In providing a central point of cultural connection, Darrango yan-dhan empowers young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their families to engage with culture.

Aboriginal Cultural Safety Executive Committee (ACSES)

AV has established an Aboriginal Cultural Safety Executive Committee (ACSES) as part of our efforts to strengthen an organisation-wide approach to cultural competence and safety and to ensure that there is a forum at the most senior level of the organisation for our Cultural Advisors to engage effectively about strategies for enhancing cultural safety and capability across AV.

AV’s First Nations Employee Network

Any AV employee who identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander is invited to join AV’s First Nations Employee Network.