Our story began in 1990, when Aboriginal young people made up over 40% of the juveniles in detention in NSW, and disengagement from education was rife across the Riverina region.
Desperate to find a more culturally appropriate alternative to incarceration for our young Aboriginal males, and offer extra support for those falling behind in the education system, members of our local Aboriginal community came together to establish the Tirkandi Inaburra organisation.
Over 15 years, we worked tirelessly to build the foundations and secure funding for the Tirkandi Inaburra Cultural and Development Centre, which opened its doors to the first program participants in January 2006.
Today, 83% of Tirkandi graduates are actively engaged in education or work. And 92% have zero convictions since graduation.
The program
Our 10-week evidence-based program is designed to help young Aboriginal males make better life decisions, remain engaged in full-time school, study or work and minimise the risk of involvement with the criminal justice system.
Our visions and values
Through a person-centred, trauma-informed approach, Tirkandi aims to empower young Aboriginal males to develop and draw on their own resilience and take responsibility for their own lives.
Our team
Our highly skilled team shares our commitment to putting the best interests of young Aboriginal males first to achieve the best outcomes for every participant, their families and communities.