New facility to drive change for Kimberley’s youth
The on-Country diversionary facility Wala Kooral-bi Centre has been officially opened by the WA State Government, Traditional Owners and community leaders.
Wala Kooral-bi means ‘catch’em up quick’ in the language of the Nykina Traditional Owner group. The centre and pilot program is a groundbreaking approach involving an Aboriginal designed and led, on-Country diversion program for boys aged between 14 and 17 who live in the Kimberley to reduce to the risk of reoffending.
The centre is located 123 kilometres south-east of Derby at Mount Anderson Station. Marlamanu Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of KRED Enterprise, will be managing the facility.
Strengthen connection to culture
The Marlamanu program has been designed to provide therapeutic, on-Country residential care that helps young people build purpose, take responsibility, and strengthen their connection to culture, community and Country.
- Wala Kooral-bi Centre on-Country diversionary facility opened
- Government committed to supporting community and culturally inclusive initiatives
The first cohort of participants has been finalised and they will be visiting the facility in the next few weeks in the lead up to staying at the Wala Kooral-bi Centre in the new year. They will live and learn onsite, engaging in structured daily routines that include practical station experience, education and cultural learning.
The Cook Government invested a total of $19.1 million in the delivery of the facility and funding for a three-year pilot program.
Regional Development and Kimberley Minister Stephen Dawson said the centre facility was a community-designed, community-led residential diversion program grounded in culture, Country, and healing.
“This centre demonstrates what is possible when government listens, partners with community, and supports Aboriginal organisations to lead,” he said.
“The Cook Government is committed to supporting Aboriginal-led initiatives and supporting regional communities to design solutions that work for their people.”
Community Services Minister Matthew Swinbourn added the opening marked a significant milestone, ushering in new opportunities for Kimberley youth to reconnect with culture and community.
“This transformative centre promises lasting impact, hope and healing for the community,” he said.
Safe healing experience
KRED Enterprise chief executive officer Damien Parriman said his organisation was proud of the progress made and of the partnerships that had helped bring this vision closer to reality.
“The journey ahead is about making sure everything is in place to provide a strong, safe and healing experience for our young people to become positive leaders amongst their peers,” he said.
“Too often, our young people are taken far from home in times of crisis,” Walalakoo Aboriginal Corporation executive chairperson Robert Watson added.
“Marlamanu is about changing that story, about keeping them close to Country, supported by culture, community and family.”
