The Olabud Doogethu and Social Reinvestment WA immersion trip was an opportunity for not-for-profits to visit Halls Creek, WA and learn directly from the Olabud Doogethu leaders about the justice reinvestment opportunities and challenges in the Shire of Halls Creek.
From 28 June to 1 July 2021, partner organisations from Social Reinvestment WA travelled from all around Australia to meet with Olabud Doogethu in the Shire of Halls Creek.
The not-for-profit partner organisations from Social Reinvestment WA’s coalition included Wungening Aboriginal Corporation, Amnesty International, Aboriginal Deaths in Custody Watch Committee, Outcare and Youth Affairs Council of Western Australia.
The immersion trip included travelling out on to Kija and Jaru Country with Olabud Doogethu leaders, such as Springvale, Lumuku (Osmond Valley), and Palm Springs.
Olabud Doogethu leaders had the opportunity to share about the future direction and their next steps, including the establishment of the Men’s Tribal Centre, the Kutjungka (‘as in one’ in Kukutja) human rights project, and the alternative education pathway, Mibala (‘Us Together’ in Kriol), which will be launched later this year.
Stefaan Bruce-Truglio, Senior Policy and Advocacy Officer at the Youth Affairs Council of Western Australia, reflected on his time in Halls Creek:
‘There were so many things that I learnt on this trip it is hard to decide what to mention. I guess the most important thing is that this trip reinforced my unequivocal belief that when Aboriginal communities are resourced to enable them to utilise their knowledge and other strengths to take action and make change, they can make such a difference in such a small period of time. Supporting Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, Elders, and young leaders to be able to place connections to culture, country and family at the heart of services for young people in their community is the most crucial component of healing,’ said Stefaan.
‘Decision makers, and all of us as non-Aboriginal Australians must walk this journey alongside Aboriginal people, by building the cultural understanding required to address the broader systemic issues (such as inadequate housing & healthcare and intergenerational trauma, racism and inequality), that continue to have a detrimental impact on the well-being and future of Aboriginal young people across the nation,’ Stefaan added.
‘Only by listening, learning, and building relationships with our First Nations communities as well as supporting and complementing Aboriginal-led initiatives, rather than leading when it is not our place, can we truly work towards reconciliation. This trip strengthened my resolve and commitment to continue to support SRWA and Aboriginal-led initiatives such as Olabud Doogethu in their efforts to advocate for Youth Justice reform, including the campaign to raise the age and end the overrepresentation of Aboriginal young people in the justice system.’
Reflections from their visit:
