Walking in two worlds for improved opportunity

Young Western Australians who have been in contact with, or are at risk of engagement with, the Justice system will benefit from a new collaboration between Maar Koodjal and Royal Life Saving WA that has been supported by the Department of Justice’s Criminal Property Confiscation Grants Program.

On Country Healing is a program designed to provide engagement and diversionary pathways for young people throughout Perth’s northern suburbs, that will instill positive Cultural identity and provide valuable aquatic industry skills, experience and qualifications. This project will help realise ongoing employment opportunities in areas such as traditional Aboriginal Cultural performance and throughout the aquatic industry.

Maar Koodjal, whose name literally translates to ‘Two Worlds’, is an Aboriginal not-for-profit organisation who will foster stronger connection to Culture within participants through on Country exposure to traditional practices such as dance and art, tool making, family structures and storytelling. Maar Koodjal will also support the link between Cultural connection and the workplace – ‘Two Worlds’.

Royal Life Saving WA will expand its delivery of the successful Talent Pool program, which seeks to use the local swimming pool to engage, equip and employ young people with the skills needed to obtain employment within the aquatic industry. Royal Life Saving WA will support the link to Culture for those in the workforce who have not traditionally engaged in this space.

Royal Life Saving WA CEO Peter Leaversuch noted that “thanks to the strong support from the Western Australian Department of Justice our partnership with Maar Koodjal has been able to grow. We are excited to be working to improve employment opportunities for participants.”

Maar Koodjal CEO Dennis Simmons also commented that ”this program will provide valuable opportunity for young people to reconnect with traditional Aboriginal Culture and to build stronger networks of support.”

The On Country Healing program was officially launched recently at the Yanchep National Park by the Honourable John Quigley MLA, Member for Butler, Attorney General for Western Australia and the Honourable Tracey Roberts JP, Mayor City of Wanneroo.

You can read more about our Talent Pool program at the link below.