Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are reportedly less likely to access mainstream employment and support services, and when they are provided for First Nations communities, they will have fewer positive outcomes. This is a result of various barriers that restrict access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to these services, including:– intergenerational trauma ...
Killara Foundation
Killara Community Outreach & Development Program
GOAL
$30,000
Australia > VIC > Metro and Regional
Field of Interest
- Education/training and employment
- First Nations communities
Target Population
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- People experiencing socio-economic disadvantage or vulnerability
Killara Foundation is a First Nations not-for-profit organisation supporting Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples by providing pathways to employment, mentoring, cultural connection, and support in navigating the housing and labour markets.
We exist to build generational prosperity by unlocking economic opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We work in partnership with Community, corporations and families to support inclusive, purpose-led initiatives that strengthen Culture, skills, and connection.
Your investment can enable a future where elevating connections to Culture, economic participation, and knowledge-sharing create lasting impact for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities.
Support our five key program areas today and help sustain vital training, mentoring, and outreach services that ensure people can access the stability, skills, and connections needed to thrive in their lives.
Project Summary
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are reportedly less likely to access mainstream employment and support services, and when they are provided for First Nations communities, they will have fewer positive outcomes.
This is a result of various barriers that restrict access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to these services, including:
– intergenerational trauma and past experiences resulting from colonisation and dispossession
– lack of genuine partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
– fear of judgement, child removal or negative previous experiences
– poor linkages and service coordination across organisations
– low accessibility of services in rural and remote areas
– lack of knowledge and understanding from First Nations communities around what is available.
As a proud Yorta Yorta, Wiradjuri, Gunditjmara and Gunai Kurnai man with deep family connections to Fitzroy and the inner northern suburbs of Naarm/Melbourne, James is acutely aware of Community needs and embeds this within the support he provides. James acts as a conduit for individuals looking to engage with Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and mainstream services to address systemic barriers to sustainable employment outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. James is able to leverage his connections to ACCOs, and specifically the programs delivered by Killara Foundation to create employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for people seeking wraparound supports.
James’ role as Killara Foundation’s Community Outreach & Development Officer is critical to our organisation’s commitment to creating economic empowerment alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Project Outcomes
As a First Nations not-for-profit organisation, we exist to support Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples by providing pathways to employment, cultural connection, mentoring, and support in navigating the housing and labour markets.
This program directly supports individuals facing significant and compounding barriers to employment, including a lack of access to appropriate training, cultural disconnection and discrimination, housing instability, educational gaps, and the intergenerational effects of colonisation and dispossession. James' work is on the front line, working alongside Community members in underserved areas to address their needs and refer them to appropriate supports.
The program builds capabilities and skills through referrals to culturally safe mentoring, pre-employment support, accredited training, and practical workplace experiences. Participants gain transferable skills, improve their confidence, and increase their readiness to engage in work. Many are supported into employment within Killara’s own social enterprise — Ngarrgu Djerring Café in Melbourne CBD — or through one of our culturally-safe employment partners, ensuring a supported transition into the workforce.
Further expected program outcomes include:
- Greater cultural safety and accessibility within employment pathways and services
- Strengthened cross-sector partnerships and collaboration between local council and community organisations
- Reduced disengagement from employment and training through trusted, culturally grounded support
- Improved wellbeing, confidence, and self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples accessing support
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $96,800
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Banyule City Council Fee-for-service Model ($440 a session/day, one per month for 12 months) | $5,280 |
| Funding Gap | $30,000 |
EXPENSES
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual Costing of James' Role (Based on 48 week structure, inclusive of salary + on costs, travel, materials, additional expenses) | $96,800 |
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