Waalitj Foundation

Get to know the Waalitj Foundation and the team behind the boomerangs 🪃 We are driving education, employment and business opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians by working together to empower and build capacity amongst individuals, their families and their communities 🦅 Watch the video below to find out more 📽️

Join our team at the Waalitj Foundation 🌟 We are currently on the lookout for a People & Capability Manager at our head office in Lathlain! If you are looking for a career where you can make a difference, find out more about this role and apply here 👉 https://lnkd.in/gNSd8yGA

Employment program highlights in 2024 🌟 Check out some of the snaps from the year below! Across our P242, Workforce Australia and Justice programs, we focus on placing individuals into sustainable and supportive positions.

Last week Chris and Meleane, from our Community Development Program (CDP) team attended the Laverton School End of Year Concert 🌟 They accepted an Appreciation Certificate on behalf of the Waalitj Foundation, recognising the team’s dedication and contribution to the success of Laverton School in 2024. During the concert, Chris also received a special thank you from the Laverton School Principal, who delivered a heartfelt speech acknowledging Chris and the Foundation, highlighting the CDP team’s efforts in creating the bike track and the yarning pit, which they said has significantly enhanced the school community. CDP supports job seekers in remote Australia to build skills, address barriers and contribute to their communities through a range of flexible activities. You can find out more about this program here: https://lnkd.in/gCE38Vhf

A big thank you to everyone who contributed to this year's Christmas Hamper Drive 🎄 Your generosity has ensured many families in our Waalitj Community don't go without a Christmas meal this holiday season. Our hampers are now being delivered to many First Nations families in need across Western Australia 🎁 We would like to extend a special thank you to the below companies for your generous donations of Christmas goodies, as well as cash donations to top up the hampers! Northern Star Resources Limited Technical Resources Western Power KingKira Group Water Corporation HIF Australia Georgiou Camco Engineering Regency Insurance Brokers Alsco Uniforms Australia Programmed Shell D'Orsogna GOLD FIELDS The Good Grocer Also, a big thank you to Water Corporation for helping to pack all the hampers ready for delivery!

Since 2020, our Waalitj Hub has engaged an outstanding 435 First Nations Business Clients! We have seen our clients grow and sustain their businesses, becoming successful leaders in their industries. See some of the highlights from our Hub team in 2024 below 🌟

Congratulations to Waalitj Hub client, and proud Whadjuk Ballardong woman Lorraine Pryor, whose corporation Voice of Hope was recently nominated for the National 2024 Indigenous Governance Awards 🎉 Recently, some of our staff had the opportunity to see firsthand the Voice of Hope's Walbrenninj Yorga (Healing Women in Noongar) workshop. Run on a weekly basis, it welcomes up to 40 First Nations women to yarn, heal and create connections and to provide support and strengthen those returning to community strong after being incarcerated. Lorraine came to the Hub in 2022 and connected with Business Coach, Raylene, who has supported her on her business journey, helping her build knowledge and network with other Aboriginal business owners. “I tell everybody, if you want to start a business up, the Waalitj Hub are the ones to go and see, because they have supported me so much.” You can find out more about Lorraine and Voice of Hope here: https://lnkd.in/gVhWN2uh

As we come to the end of another school year, let's look back on 2024! Take a look at what we got up to this school year in the snaps below ⬇️ We provide a range of programs that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to ensure they have the best possible access to education 🖍📔

That's a wrap on another great year of Waalitj Club! Last week, our Waalitj Club Kids celebrated with a Christmas party at Mineral Resources Park, with sports and craft activities 🎄 We also had some special visitors from Waalitj Club supporters, KingKira Group, who came out and presented everyone with new Waalitj Club shirts! We wish our Waalitj Club kids a safe and happy festive season 🌟 As a part of the Town of Victoria Park Community Benefits Strategy, this program brings together local students every Wednesday afternoon during the term for a mix of fun, fitness and well-being activities.

We are proud to announce that we have formally become an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO). This step formalises our commitment to self-determination for First Nations Peoples in Australia and has the potential to make a greater impact in our communities. In addition to our new membership structure, 72% of our staff identify as First Nations Peoples. This ensures our organisation and programs are always guided and led by First nations voices ❤️💛🖤