Ngwala Willumbong Aboriginal Corporation

Last week, our incredible Ngwala staff came together for two days of connection, learning, and entertainment at the Melbourne Zoo (Zoos Victoria) for our November In Service 💛 We started with a beautiful Welcome to Country by Uncle Tony Garvey, followed by a warm welcome from our CEO De-Joel Upkett. The group was then treated to an inspiring talk from Ricky Baldwin, CEO and Founder of Koorie Academy LTD, who shared insights into their cultural workshops and basketball programs. Over the two days, we enjoyed fun activities, sector updates, and informative talks from many of our teams, as well as a powerful musical and storytelling performance by Allara Briggs Pattison & Monica McDonald. It was a wonderful opportunity to yarn, share knowledge, and strengthen bonds while exploring the zoo together! A big thank you to everyone who made this event possible and to all staff for bringing your energy and spirit 🦋

The Swan Hill NAIDOC Ball was held last week and a couple of beloved Ngwala Staff members walked away with huge awards! Allira Fry received the award for Recognition and Distinguished Service to the Community and Oliver Wise was honoured as Person of the Year! This dynamic sibling duo (even though they both insist the other is adopted) continue to impress us with talents that extend far beyond creating office wall clocks! Both are incredible role models and leaders in their community, leading by example in everything they do.

Last week the Victorian Indigenous State-wide Homelessness Network (VISHN) got together in Naarm for their second conference of the year. It was huge turnout of over 130 people from 29 organisations over two informative and connecting days. VISHN is a collective of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and ally organisations working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that are dedicated to reducing homelessness amongst Indigenous people in Victoria. “VISHN brings us together in a way that strengthens our collective voice. It builds consistent practice across the state, centres community leadership, and reminds mainstream services that Aboriginal communities know what they need,” says VISHN Coordinator Jason Tamplin. “The collaboration and insights shared here show the power of ACCOs leading the conversation on homelessness and housing.” Shout out to everybody who attended; Aboriginal Housing Victoria Bendigo & District Aboriginal Co-operative Barrbunin Beek Aboriginal Gathering Place Elizabeth Morgan House Aboriginal Women's Service Inc Mallee District Aboriginal Services Murray Valley Aboriginal Co-operative Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative VACCA - Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency VACSAL Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative Juno Launch Housing Unison Housing Merri Outreach Support Service (MOSS) Neami National Sacred Heart Mission The Salvation Army Australia South East Community Links VincentCare Victoria Bolton Clarke Homeless Persons Program Homes Victoria Victorian Civil & Administrative Tribunal Council To Homeless Persons Victorian Public Tenants Association Victorian Electoral Commission Victoria Police Eastern Homelessness Network

Ngwala’s Annual General Meeting - a day of reflection, connection, and vision for the future. We opened with a heartfelt Welcome & Acknowledgement to Country led by our Chairperson, Auntie Marion Hansen, grounding us in culture and respect for the land and its Traditional Custodians. A special thank you to our dedicated Board Members who continue to guide Ngwala with wisdom and care: • Chairperson Auntie Marion Hansen • Treasurer Uncle Tony McCartney • Vice Chairperson Uncle Ronald Briggs • Director Auntie Doreen Lovett • Director Auntie Lucille Atkinson • Director Uncle Robert Nicholls • And our CEO, De-Joel Upkett We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the wonderful Directors of Ngwala: Helena Gonebale, Liza Vanspall, Melanie Dale, and Rosealiy Thomas. Your leadership and passion make a lasting impact every day. One of the highlights of the day was discussing Ngwala’s Strategic Plan for 2025 - 2030. It's a thoughtful roadmap to continue supporting community with strength, healing, and cultural pride. Together, we look forward to walking forward with purpose, guided by the voices and values of our people 🖤💛❤️

We had another group of staff earn their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid accreditation this week. This incredible course equips us with the skills to provide mental health first aid in a culturally safe and informed way, covering areas like crisis intervention, self-care strategies and destigmatising mental health issues. Ngwala team members from across the state were in attendance and gained a wealth of practical knowledge over the two days which will truly help us working in community. Massive shout out to Baydon from BPW consulting for facilitating the training and the Learning & Development Team for organising the whole thing ❤

“It was great to have the opportunity to bring our Leadership and Management teams together for a day at our Ngwala Management Forum. Being able to connect, reset and look toward our future creates a sense of hope, ownership, and continued passion. We are blessed to have an incredible team that supports our staff and community.” - De-Joel Upkett, Ngwala Willumbong CEO

Last Thursday 2 October, we came together to celebrate the 49th Anniversary of Galiamble & Winja Ulupna Alcoholics Anonymous at a sensational event! For the first time ever, residents from Winja Ulupna and Galiamble chaired the event, and they did a deadly job! With 124 people in attendance, the energy and community spirit was strong. We began the evening with a beautiful smoking ceremony led by Shane Clayton, setting the tone for a night of connection. In the lead up to the event, the Gali and Winja women collaborated on a cultural art project, crafting gum nut necklaces that were worn with pride. The Winja women also spoiled us with a delicious savoury and sweet grazing board, and the Ngwala Coffee Cart kept everyone warm and toasty. It was a truly memorable evening for everyone involved!

NEW VACANCIES 🌟 We’re looking for: • Housing First Worker - Aboriginal Entry Point https://lnkd.in/g-sNZ3f7 • Aboriginal Tenancies at Risk (ATAR) Worker https://lnkd.in/gfStbm9a If you or anyone you know is interested in applying for these roles, visit the links above and feel free to share with your network! All applications must be made through SEEK and include a cover letter and a resume outlining your education and employment background. We hope to see your application soon!

Come meet us or drop in to our Aboriginal Homelessness Entry Points to say hi! The Entry Points are located at 109 Chapel St, St Kilda and 227 Bourke St, Melbourne CBD and are open between 9.30am and 3.30pm. You’re welcome to drop in for a visit during these times. Our team is always up for a cuppa and a yarn! Referrals are welcome at all times via iap@ngwala.org.au or 03 9510 3233.

Want to work with us? We’re always looking for new team members who are passionate about supporting community! You can check all current vacancies on SEEK at: https://lnkd.in/gm8bDtHq