This project focuses on the delivery of culturally grounded, trauma-informed programs in remote and very remote Northern Territory communities, designed and delivered in partnership with local Aboriginal people. Programs are community-led and responsive to local needs, languages, and cultural protocols, ensuring relevance, safety, and strong participation. Delivery prioritises non-clinical approaches that use yarning, storytelling, art, ...
Waterlily Healing Indigenous Corp
Waterlily’s programs
GOAL
$120,000
Australia > NT > Metro and Regional
Field of Interest
- First Nations communities
Target Population
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- People impacted by the legal system
Waterlily Healing Indigenous Corp
Waterlily Healing Indigenous Corporation is a First Nations–led, Northern Territory–based organisation delivering culturally grounded, non-clinical healing and social and emotional wellbeing programs for Aboriginal people. The organisation works with women, youth, families, and Elders across Darwin and remote NT communities, using trauma-informed approaches grounded in culture, storytelling, art, yarning, and lived experience.
Waterlily Healing was established to address gaps in culturally safe support by strengthening identity, connection to culture, and community-led healing. Its work focuses on prevention, early intervention, and community capacity building, complementing health, education, and family services rather than duplicating them. The organisation is committed to self-determination, respectful partnerships, and practical reconciliation outcomes that are shaped by community voices and local knowledge.
Project Summary
This project focuses on the delivery of culturally grounded, trauma-informed programs in remote and very remote Northern Territory communities, designed and delivered in partnership with local Aboriginal people. Programs are community-led and responsive to local needs, languages, and cultural protocols, ensuring relevance, safety, and strong participation.
Delivery prioritises non-clinical approaches that use yarning, storytelling, art, visual learning, and lived experience to support social and emotional wellbeing, cultural strengthening, and community connection. Particular focus is given to engaging women, youth, and Elders, recognising their central roles in families and community life.
Programs are delivered on Country where possible and aim to build local capacity by supporting and strengthening Aboriginal facilitators and leaders. This approach ensures programs are not fly-in, fly-out, but embedded, respectful, and sustainable, contributing to long-term wellbeing and reconciliation outcomes in remote communities.
Project Outcomes
This project aims to strengthen culturally safe, community-led program delivery for Aboriginal people in remote and very remote Northern Territory communities, while supporting reconciliation through genuine relationships, cultural understanding, and local leadership.
The focus is on delivering non-clinical programs that support social and emotional wellbeing, cultural connection, and community strength. Programs are designed and delivered in partnership with local communities and Elders, ensuring they reflect local languages, cultural protocols, and priorities. Activities use yarning, storytelling, art, and visual learning to engage women, youth, and Elders in ways that are accessible, respectful, and meaningful.
Through this work, the project seeks to reduce barriers to participation, strengthen trust between communities and services, and support Aboriginal people to feel safe, heard, and valued. It also aims to build local capacity by supporting Aboriginal facilitators and leaders, contributing to longer-term sustainability beyond individual program delivery.
Success will be measured through both community feedback and practical outcomes. This includes strong participation and engagement from community members, positive feedback from Elders and local leaders, and evidence of strengthened relationships and trust. The project will also be considered successful when programs are delivered in culturally appropriate, locally supported, and community-responsive ways, and when communities express a sense of ownership and pride in the work.
Ultimately, success means programs are not fly-in, fly-out, but contribute to lasting wellbeing, cultural strength, and reconciliation outcomes grounded in community voice.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $120,000
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Funding gap | $120,000 |
EXPENSES
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Program facilitation and delivery | $45,000 |
| Community engagement and co-design | $15,000 |
| Travel and accommodation (remote and very remote NT) | $20,000 |
| Aboriginal facilitator and local leadership support | $15,000 |
| Program materials and resources | $10,000 |
| Project coordination and administration | $10,000 |
| Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting | $5,000 |
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