Our Story

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Our Cultural Roots

Our journey to understanding our cultural roots has been one of discovery. Over time, through searching for where we come from, we learned of our connection to the Yorta Yorta people. This realisation deepened our sense of identity and purpose, guiding us toward a path of cultural reconnection and responsibility.

Growing Up on Dharawal Country

Though our heritage traces back to Yorta Yorta Country, we grew up on Dharawal Country in Campbelltown – a place that shaped who we are today. On Dharawal land, we learned to walk in two worlds. We navigated the challenges of modern life by day and returned home to the embrace of family and culture each evening. We were blessed to be raised in a community rich with Aboriginal presence. Dharawal Elders and community members welcomed us, sharing their stories and knowledge. They taught us the importance of culturally safe spaces where everyone is respected and heard.

We understand deeply how important it is for families to stay together, as we have experienced many times when our family lived with an aunt or when cousins came to live with us. These experiences shaped our understanding of the strength and resilience that come from family unity. They reinforced our belief that keeping families together is essential for healing, cultural connection, and long-term stability, forming the foundation of our commitment to culturally safe support.

From Family Journey to Community Vision

We grew up watching the issues facing our community—challenges with housing, identity, and access to culturally safe support. After successfully establishing and running a program that assists people with psychosocial disabilities and complex needs, we knew we wanted to do something for our community.

This is where the conversation began—between brother and sister—about how we could give back in a way that truly reflected our values and culture. We felt that our own family connection represented the message we wanted to share: family united is strong. We believe that connection is protection—by strengthening cultural ties, family bonds, and community relationships, we create a future where children, families, and communities can thrive together. This belief became the foundation of Woka Walanga.

The Meaning Behind Woka Walanga

Our name, Woka Walanga, embodies our purpose and values. In Yorta Yorta, woka means "land" or "country," representing our deep connection to Country and culture. Walanga, from the Dharawal language, means "to follow" or "the path forward," symbolizing movement, progress, and shared purpose. Together, Woka Walanga signifies walking the path forward while staying grounded in our land and traditions.

In our daily work, this name reminds us that we must stay connected to Country while continuously moving forward as a community. It reinforces our commitment to ensuring that every initiative we undertake is guided by cultural integrity, respect, and the vision of a strong and united future for our people.

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Our Vision and Mission

Our Vision: A proud, thriving future for our people – one where every Aboriginal child, family, and community stays strong in culture, connected to their heritage, and empowered to achieve their dreams on their own Country.

Our Mission: To walk alongside children, families, and communities, providing culturally safe support that connects to culture, strengthens families, and opens pathways of opportunity – always in collaboration with our people and Elders.

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Our Programs

Youth Justice Program: We provide intensive mentoring and support to at-risk Aboriginal youth involved with the justice system. This program focuses on guidance from positive role models, stable housing and living skills, educational support to get back into schooling or training, mental health and wellbeing services, and most importantly, a strong cultural connection. By reconnecting our young ones with their culture and identity – and giving them guidance and hope – we help them build a better path and stay out of trouble.

Complex/Crisis Supported Accommodation: We offer safe, stable accommodation for our people who have fallen through the cracks of traditional support systems. Our crisis housing is more than just a roof – it’s a home where culture is respected and practiced. Residents find a place of belonging with access to cultural mentors, life-skills coaching, and a supportive community. In these houses, Elders drop in for yarns, traditional art adorns the walls, and everyone becomes part of an extended family. This culturally grounded approach helps our mob in crisis regain stability, dignity, and a sense of identity.

Individual & Family Mentoring: We strengthen families through one-on-one and group mentoring that is culturally informed. Our mentors (think of them as Aunties, Uncles, and big brothers/sisters) work with parents on parenting skills, understanding trauma, and bringing cultural practices into the home. We also engage with the little ones – early childhood programs that include storytelling, language learning, and cultural playgroups. By wrapping support around the whole family, we ensure that children grow up safe, supported, and proud of who they are.

Youth Out-of-Home Care (OOHC): When Aboriginal children cannot stay with their birth parents, we step in to provide out-of-home care that keeps them connected to community and culture. We recruit and support carers and ensure each child knows where they come from. Through regular cultural camps, visits with kin, and the sharing of stories, our kids in care maintain their cultural identity and sense of belonging. We are committed to providing the highest quality care so that every child in our program feels safe, supported, and never loses touch with their roots.