Programs at Wulgunggo Ngalu
Who can participate
Funding
Contact
On this page
Wulgunggo Ngalu Learning Place is a statewide culturally appropriate residential diversion program in Central Gippsland.
Wulgunggo Ngalu provides opportunity for Aboriginal men to learn new skills, reconnect with, or further strengthen, their culture and participate in programs and activities to help them address their offending behaviour. Participation at Wulgunggo Ngalu is voluntary.
The men stay at Wulgunggo Ngalu for up to 6 months. They can return home every fourth weekend. Family members can stay on weekends.
The men can return home at any time, where they would be managed by Community Correctional Services in their local communities.
Wulgunggo Ngalu (meaning ‘which way together’ in Gunai Kurnai language) is a key initiative of the Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement. This is a partnership agreement between the Victorian Government and the Aboriginal community.
Wulgunggo Ngalu was established in response to the findings of the 1991 Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody.
A key finding of the Royal Commission was to establish a culturally appropriate diversion program to reduce the over-representation of Aboriginal people in custody.
Programs at Wulgunggo Ngalu
The men at Wulgunggo Ngalu gain education, employment and life skills through different programs such as TAFE training and volunteer work.
The programs help the men complete their Community Correction Orders and improve their employment chances.
Cultural programs and ceremonies at Wulgunggo Ngalu include:
Welcome to Country
- smoking ceremonies
- cooking
- dancing
- access to Elders
- men’s business and specialist programs.
Alan’s story
Alan*, like most Aboriginal men who have contact with the criminal justice system, has a complex history.
Alan's* had multiple touchpoints with the criminal justice system since 2010, including periods of time in custody.
His time at the Wulgunggo Ngalu Learning Place has seen him take on and develop positive leadership qualities. This is especially evident through his engagement with the artwork program and other community and cultural activities.
While at Wulgunggo Ngalu, Alan* has made extensive contributions to the arts community in Yarram. As well as local areas including aged care facilities, local scout groups and schools.
Thanks to Wulgunggo Ngalu Learning Place, Alan* has made excellent progress towards positive and productive reintegration. He has maintained contact throughout his journey to seek support where he’s needed it. This includes a period of leave and subsequent relapse, following a death in the family.
This illustrates how important the work of Wulgunggo Ngalu is.
Alan* has chosen to stay in Wulgunggo Ngalu despite completing the expected 3-month program, to consolidate the progress he has made.
*Name changed to prevent identification.
Who can participate
To be eligible, participants must be:
- male
- aged 18 years or over
- Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
- on a Community Correction Order.
The men are referred to stay at Wulgunggo Ngalu by Community Correctional Services. This can occur any time during their Community Correction Order.
The court may request an assessment for a Community Correction Order and placement at Wulgunggo Ngalu. The assessment is undertaken by Community Correctional Services and Wulgunggo Ngalu staff.
Koori men on Community Correction Orders participate in the program on a voluntary basis.
Funding
Wulgunggo Ngalu receives operational funding each year. It covers staffing costs, repairs and maintenance, cultural programs and general operating costs.
Contact
Contact the Wulgunggo Ngalu Learning Place:
Post: PO Box 336 Yarram VIC 3971
Phone: 1300 944 058
Fax: (03) 5138 3399
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Publisher
Department of Justice & Regulation - Corrections Victoria
Copyright
State of Victoria, 2017.
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