
Download Wirkara Kulpa -
Information for young people (External link)
Acknowledgement
We acknowledge and pay our respects to ancestors of this country, Elders, knowledge holders and leaders – past, present, and emerging. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are steeped in culture and lore having existed within Australia continuously for some 65,000 years.
A message to Aboriginal children and young people
You carry the strength
And legacy of your old people
It’s through their strength
Love and resilience
We push through
Look after yourself
Look after your spirit
And know you are loved.
Koorie Youth Council
The meaning of Wirkara Kulpa
Wirkara Kulpa (pronounced WEER-ghara GHOUL-par) means Alongside, next to talking/speaking in Barkindji/Paakantyi language.
This name was chosen by Aboriginal children and young people currently in the youth justice system.
“We wanted to talk about the young people talking and walking alongside one another and talking at the same time to Elders. Because that’s the only way they will be able to listen and listen to Elders; by walking alongside each other and talking together.”
Uncle Ivan Johnson and Uncle Peter Peterson
We offer our sincere thanks to Uncle Ivan Johnson and Uncle Peter Peterson who provided the name.
What is Wirkara Kulpa?
- It is the first Victorian Aboriginal youth justice strategy in Victoria.
- It aims to improve the youth justice system.
- It has the wellbeing of Aboriginal children and young people at its heart.
- It is a roadmap to guide us on a 10-year journey together.
What is its aim?
Aboriginal children and young people are not in the youth justice system.
This is because they are:
- strong in their culture,
- connected to families and communities, and
- living, thriving culturally rich lives.
Why was it created?
- Too many Aboriginal children and young people end up in the youth justice system.
- Aboriginal families and communities know what causes this and what is needed to fix this.
- They are helping to drive the change to make the system more safe and helpful to Aboriginal children and young people.
How did we get here? (Process of working together)
- Aboriginal community leaders working with Aboriginal children and young people have shared ideas and solutions to make it better.
- These are now set out in Wirkara Kulpa.
- These changes will keep Aboriginal children and young people strong and with their families and communities.
What will this mean for me?
(What Aboriginal children told us they want and need).

- "First and foremost, I am treated like a child."
- "My complex needs are understood, and my path is healing me, not harming me."
- "I am supported to be strong in my Aboriginal identity and culture."
- "I am always connected to family and community."
- "I am seen as a future leader and my strengths are built upon."
- "I have the right supports at the right time and I am never left to walk alone."
What is happening now?
Some of the ideas and solutions in Wirkara Kulpa, to help Aboriginal children and young people are ready now, including:
- More Aboriginal workers to support Aboriginal young people to get back on track
- Cultural programs and services that strengthen connection to culture, family and community
- Cultural plans for Aboriginal children and young people
- More cautions and diversions to keep Aboriginal children and young people out of the system
- Balit Ngulu, the Aboriginal youth legal program through VALS, for culturally safe and responsive legal help
- More support when leaving custody to help settle back into community.
What is happening next?
Other changes still to come will include such things as:
- Aboriginal bail support and healing programs
- Help for Aboriginal children and young people at night and on weekends
- Aboriginal youth justice hubs, safe places for young people to access services
- Aboriginal children and young people will have a trusted worker to walk alongside them
- Help to keep Aboriginal children (10-13 years old) out of the system
- More learning, training, living skills and work opportunities
- More help for young people to stay mentally and emotionally strong
How can my voice be heard?
- We want Aboriginal children and young people to talk up and to have a say.
- The Koorie Youth Council is working with Aboriginal children and young people to find a way to have their voices heard.
To have your voice heard, speak to the Koorie Youth Council, contact (03) 9267 3707 or visit www.koorieyouthcouncil.org.au.
Where can I go to for further support?
For help and support, talk to your local Community-Based Aboriginal Youth Justice Worker.
Community-based Aboriginal Youth Justice workers
Geelong
Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperation
(03) 5277 0044
Warrnambool
Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperation
(03) 5559 1234
Chirnside Park and Eastern Metro surrounding areas
Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA)
(03) 8727 0200
Bairnsdale
Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Cooperation (GEGAC)
(03) 5150 0700
Lakes Entrance
Lakes Entrance Aboriginal Health Association
(03) 5155 8300
Morwell
Anglicare Victoria
(03) 5135 9555
Ballarat
Ballart and District Aboriginal Cooperation (BADAC)
(03) 5331 5344
Horsham
Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-Operative
(03) 5381 6333
Shepparton
Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-Operative
(03) 5820 0010
Wodonga
Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation
(02) 6024 7599
Bendigo
Bendigo & District Aboriginal Co- Operative (BDAC)
(03) 5442 4947
Echuca
Njernda Aboriginal Corporation
(03) 5480 6252
Mildura
Mallee District Aboriginal Services Limited (MDAS)
(03) 5018 4100
Swan Hill
Mallee District Aboriginal Services Limited (MDAS)
(03) 5032 8600
Thornbury
Bert Williams Aboriginal Youth Services / Victorian Aboriginal Community Services Association Limited (VACSAL)
(03) 9484 5310
Dandenong
Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA)
(03) 9108 3500
Frankston, St. Kilda
Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA)
(03) 8796 0700
Remember that if you need help, there is support out there
Support resources
Balit Ngulu (youth specialist legal advice)
Phone: 03 9418 5999
Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS)
Phone: 1800 064 865
Yarning Safe’N’Strong
Phone: 1800 95 95 63 (24 hours/7 days)
Djirra Aboriginal Family Violence Response & Support Service
Phone: 1800 105 303 (9am-9pm, Mon-Fri)
Lifeline
Phone: 13 11 14
Web: lifeline.org.au
Suicide Call Back Service
Phone: 1300 659 467
Web: suicidecallbackservice.org.au
Beyondblue
Phone: 1300 224 636
Web: beyondblue.org.au
Headspace
Phone: 1800 650 890
Web: headspace.org.au
QLife
Phone: 1800 184 527 (3pm-midnight, 7 days)
Online chat: qlife.org.au/resources/chat
Kids Helpline
Phone: 1800 55 1800
Web: kidshelpline.com.au
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