Koori Men’s Behavioural Change Program Launched
The Andrews Labor Government today launched a new $3 million program which aims to break the cycle of inter-generational trauma of family violence in Aboriginal families and communities.
Delivered by Koori men for Koori men, the Dardi Munwurro Strong Spirit Residential Men’s Behavioural Change Program provides behaviour change programs for perpetrators with a focus on parenting, life skills and post-release support.
The program helps address Aboriginal male offending, with an intensive residential diversion program for perpetrators of family violence, and is a recommendation from the Royal Commission into Family Violence.
To support the program, the Collingwood Football Club is providing three furnished three-bedroom houses which will provide accommodation for Koori men. A Koori elder will live on-site to give cultural support and guidance.
The club has also provided a permanent program facility at the Victoria Park Community Centre in Collingwood, to provide support programs as part of the Ngarra Jarranounith Place. Ngarra Jarranounith Place will support men through a range of therapeutic family violence and personal development programs.
The Dardi Munwurro program is part of the Rolling Action Plan 2017–2020 which outlines the investment required to support family violence reform, including reforms specific to Koori communities. It came from the 2016 Royal Commission into Family Violence which made 227 recommendations.
The Labor Government is delivering $1.9 billion to implement all of the recommendations, including $32.1 million to improve family violence support services for Koori communities.
Quotes attributable to Attorney-General Martin Pakula
“The Andrews Labor Government and the Koori community are working to reduce negative contact with the criminal justice system for Aboriginal people. Dardi Munwurro will play an important part in achieving this aim.”
Quote attributable to Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence and Aboriginal Affairs Natalie Hutchins
“The implementation of Dardi Munwurro is a reflection of the strong, positive partnership between the Aboriginal community and the Victorian Government, and delivers on key recommendations from the Royal Commission.”
Quote attributable to Member for Richmond Richard Wynne
“This is an important program which will help to tackle family violence in Koori communities across Victoria.”
Quotes attributable to Collingwood Football Club President Eddie McGuire
“Collingwood Football Club is proud to partner with Dardi Munwurro to introduce this pioneering initiative that is tackling the important issue of family violence in Indigenous communities.”
“It is a tremendous opportunity for our club to extend our support of the Indigenous community through the Barrawarn Program by providing homes and hosting Ngarra Jarranounith at the Collingwood Football Club Community Centre at Victoria Park.”