GUGAN GULWAN YOUTH ABORIGINAL CORPORATION INFORMATION PACKAGE To provide an effective and efficient youth service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth and their families in the ACT and surrounding region 1
1. THE CORPORATION 1.1 Overview Gugan Gulwan is an Aboriginal youth centre located in the ACT suburb of Wanniassa. It works with its clients through a range of programs that go well beyond the services provided by most youth centres. They include a Drug and Alcohol program, a Child, Youth and Family Support Program and a Reconnect Program to support young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Gugan Gulwan gives support to parents and the family unit, focusing on skills development for young people. The Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation is registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006. 1.2 Vision To continuously work with clients, their families, community members, organisations and service providers to enhance the well-being of all Aboriginal youth in the ACT and surrounding region, with a strong focus on Aboriginality. 1.3 Objectives The Corporation s objectives are to: (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) Encourage, foster, promote and implement culturally appropriate programs to Aboriginal youth and families within the ACT and Queanbeyan area. Provide appropriate programs in (i) Aboriginal awareness (ii) Aboriginal history (iii) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture to youth and their families. Provide increased access for Aboriginal young people and their families to information regarding the use of drugs and alcohol, and treatment options that meet their needs and concerns. Improve the skills of Aboriginal and mainstream communities in identifying problematic issues, opportunities for early intervention and harm minimisation, and the provision of options for Aboriginal young people and their families. Promote cultural awareness of Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islander to the wider non-indigenous community. Analyse community training packages to promote youth participation in terms of education and training which in long term goals lead to employment outcomes. Analyse social justice issues relevant to improving awareness to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth. Incorporate appropriate health and nutrition practices in all Sports and Recreational Programs. 2
(i) (j) Seek an appropriate level of funding to implement all programs. Operate and maintain a Gift Fund to be known as The Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal and Corporation Gift Fund. 2 PROGRAMS AND SERVICES 2.1 Development of programs Gugan Gulwan uses a consultative framework to develop efficient and effective programs and services that are culturally appropriate and self-determining and are valued by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and their families. To this end, it has developed and will continue to expand a network of partnerships and alliances with a range of agencies, to ensure that it is able to carry out its role and meet its objectives. 2.2 Service Delivery Areas Gugan Gulwan is funded for three main service delivery areas: 2.2.1 Reconnect Program Two Family Liaison Positions (Commonwealth funded) o Family liaison / Mediation o Early Intervention o Respite care o Education and Training o Accommodation support o Brokerage 2.2.2 Drug and Alcohol Program (ACT Health Directorate) o Treatment of clients on Drug Diversion Programs o Community Education Programs o Cultural and Recreational Programs o Information, referral and advocacy including court support o Case Management o Group Programs o Dual Diagnosis o Social Emotional and Wellbeing Outreach Worker o Outreach Program o Detox Support 2.2.3 Child, Youth and Family Support Program (Community Services Directorate) o Early Childhood Worker o Youth Worker o Family Support Worker o Case Management o Group Programs o Youth Engagement o Therapeutic Services GUGAN GULWAN CASE MANAGEMENT REFERRAL PROCESS 1) Once you have completed the referral form please direct it to: 3
Amanda Savle Client Services Manager Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation Po Box 307, Erindale Centre ACT 2903 csmanager@gugan-gulwan.com.au Phone: (02) 62968900 Fax: (02) 62319933 2) The Client Services Manager will then review the referral and, if the referral is accepted, delegate the referral to a suitable staff member to manage the case. 3) The staff member will then make contact with the client to arrange an intake and begin case management. 2.3 Program Delivery Gugan Gulwan currently conducts the following programs either at or from the centre: Drop In (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10 3pm) Beginners Music Program (Monday) Bimberi Arts through therapy Program (Tuesday) Young Mums Group (Tuesday) Gugan Gulwan is required to provide 30 hours per week for clients to drop in to the centre. Community persons and youth drop-in and access facilities such as pool tables, television and computers. Staff offers assistance when required and provide supervision of persons on the premises. The aim of the program is to engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people who have an interest or passion for music, in a Beginner Music Program. The program will provide free music tuition, practical experience and access to instruments. This program is provided to young people in Bimberi who are interested in working with an established Aboriginal artist in a program that can be delivered as art therapy that can achieve different things for different people. It can be used for healing, self-expression, treatment, rehabilitation and in the broad sense of the term; art therapy can be used to massage one s inner-self in a way that may provide the individual with a deeper understanding of him or herself. The young mum s group meets at Gugan Gulwan each Tuesday 10am 2pm to cater for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young mother s in the ACT community. The project involves a range of learning skills, information sessions, living skills, education and training. To do so, Gugan Gulwan has developed a network of partnerships and alliances with a range of agencies and community organisations to deliver the program on a weekly basis. Up to 100 clients drop in each week Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth aged 12-25 years Open to males and females in Bimberi Youth Justice Centre, through the Bimberi Education unit. Up to 10 clients and their children Lunch Program (Wednesday) The Lunch Program operates daily through the centre with periodical events delivered from Gugan Gulwan and various different locations around Canberra and Surrounding Regions. Open to males and females aged 12-25. 4
Drug and Alcohol Young Men s Group (Wednesday at Burrunju Aboriginal Art Gallery, Gugan, ) Young Women s Group (Wednesday) Young Men s Mentoring Group (Thursday) School Holiday Program Street Beat Program The program aims to target Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug affected clients to promote Healthy Eating and Healthy Lifestyles. The Young Men s Group operates each Wednesday 10-3pm. The group is made up of young men who experience drug and alcohol and mental health issues. The aim of the program is to engage young men in a range of activities who do not attend school. Issues addressed include; drug and alcohol abuse, mental health, domestic violence, family planning, living skills, identity, health, education and training. The young women s group meets each Wednesday from 4-6pm to cater for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women of the ACT. The project is designed to assist and prepare participants by providing learning skills, living skills, which ensures that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young women are educated and well informed to ensure the best personal development outcomes possible. The young women s program provides this in a safe and culturally appropriate environment, where they are able to express themselves and gain knowledge that is relevant to the improvement of their life circumstances. The young men s mentoring group meets each Thursday from 4-6pm during the school term for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men of the ACT. The program is targeted at young men 8 12 yrs. as this is a cohort that tends to fall through the gaps of currently offered services. The aim of the group is true early intervention focusing on issues faced by boys within their family and community systems. This program is operated during school holidays with an aim to keep the participants active, challenged and entertained. It is the only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-specific school holiday program available to young people attending school in the ACT. Staff organise the program between 9.00 am and 3.00 pm which includes, recreational activities, arts and craft, cultural activities, creative workshops and fun events. The Gugan Gulwan Youth Aboriginal Corporation Street Beat Program is a night outreach program that is aimed at targeting Under 18's to reduce young people appearing within the justice system, binge drinking rates in the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and to promote Sexual & Reproductive Health and Smoking Cessation. Currently 21 clients. Open to young men aged 15-25. 10 clients aged 11-19 with two mentors 10 clients aged 8-12 32 clients each week. 8 Males and 8 Females aged 8-12, and 8 males and 8 females aged 13-16 1-60 clients each patrol. 5
The program operates two nights a week rotating over Thursday/Friday/Saturday nights for 6hr patrols during the hours of 6pm-3am. The program youth workers will then provide through care to the Team Leader, ensuring appropriate diversionary interventions are put into place to deter clients from continuing to make poor choices in relation to their behaviour. Meetings On occasions, Gugan Gulwan Board of Directors, community groups, individuals, organisations etc. request use of the centre to conduct meetings. The majority of these are during business hours, but some are after hours. Up to 30 people 2.3.1 Other areas where Gugan Gulwan can assist Housing. Staff are available to attend meetings and assist in filling out forms. General advocacy for ACT Housing Trust issues. If a young person requires assistance in finding accommodation at a refuge, Gugan Gulwan staff can assist with transport and in mediation between the young person and their family while they are in the refuge. Health issues. Most health issues are dealt with through the non-profit Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service, unless clients advise staff that they wish to see a specific doctor elsewhere. Transportation. Gugan Gulwan can assist with transport within the limitations of its budget. It cannot be utilised as an alternative to hiring a taxi. Needle exchange. Gugan Gulwan can transport clients to needle exchange providers, and can provide clients with an outreach needle exchange. Emergency Relief. Gugan Gulwan will assist in transporting clients to centres that offer emergency relief funds. In some instance, clients are referred the centres by Gugan Gulwan which makes telephone contact on their behalf. Work experience. Gugan Gulwan is a work experience provider and is registered with the Work Experience (WEX) team to take placements throughout the year. Gugan Gulwan assists young people and their families whenever possible, subject to staff availability and resources. 4. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Members of the Board of Directors: Chairperson Deputy Chairperson Treasurer Secretary Member Member Contact Officer Joanne Lesiputty Robyn Martin Kim Peters Kevin McEwan Les Lesiputty Eunice Lesiputty Kim Davison (Executive Director) 6
The Board of Directors meets as often as it considers necessary, but not less frequently than every three months. The Rules stipulate the way in which the Corporation is governed, and the Corporation acquires the Rule Book when it is registered under the Act. * The Rules require a minimum of five and a maximum of nine Directors. 5. Staff: Gugan Gulwan currently employs fourteen (14) full-time and four (4) casual staff* Administration Executive Director Finance Administration Manager Operations Manager Client Services Manager Drug and Alcohol Team Dual Diagnosis Worker Social & Emotional Wellbeing Outreach Worker Outreach Worker 1 Outreach Worker 2 Detox Support Worker Child, Youth, Family Support Team Family Support (Team Leader) Early Childhood Worker Youth Worker Reconnect Family Liaison Officer Family Liaison Officer Casual Staff Streetbeat Workers x 3 Cleaner Accommodation Partnership Provides accommodation for Aboriginal Mental Health Liaison Officer (full time) 7