STORY.

We can break the cycles of intergenerational disparity.

Statistics confirm that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and adolescents continue to experience higher rates of poor health, community violence, removal and incarceration than other Australian children. However with cultural education and comprehensive health and wellbeing services, supported by appropriate social and political systems responses, we can empower our children to more positive trajectories across the life course.

Ngaoara is committed to supporting Aboriginal communities, organisations and service providers to develop and deliver child centric, trauma informed and whole of community responses to complex social issues, and work to eliminate violence against children.

Utilising strength based approaches we aim to connect and reconnect our children and young people with their culture, promote a positive sense of self and identity, build resilience, and improve outcomes for health, education and social participation.

WHY THE BLACK COCKATOO?

The black cockatoo is a beautiful, graceful bird, with an unmistakable but somewhat mournful call. They represent change and enlightenment and herald the coming of rain. They are also believed to be the guides and guardians of the spirits of loved ones on their journey to rest amongst the Ancestors. Ngaoara means black cockatoo, and the Anglocised version is Nowra, the traditional country of my Father and Grandmother. Not long after I lost my Father, I witnessed a flock of these beautiful birds pass over my home, calling sadly. Now I see them wherever I go, and especially when I need my spirits lifted. My children call them Poppy birds, and seeing them reminds me not only that my father will always be close, but of all the things he endured, and of my responsibility to my people and my culture.