Frequently asked questions

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Got a question about Tirkandi Inaburra? You might find the answers you are looking for here, in our frequently asked questions. If not, feel free to contact our friendly team during office hours (Mon to Fri, 8am to 5pm) on Freecall 1800 759 040 or send us a message online and we’ll get back to you.

About the Program

Who can come to Tirkandi?

Aboriginal young fellas (males aged 12 to 15 years) who reside in our catchment area, are non-serious offenders, do not present with serious mental health or behavioural concerns, and meet one or more of the following selection criteria:

  • Are exhibiting signs of disengagement from family and community life
  • Have low levels of literacy and numeracy and want to improve
  • Want to make the ‘shift’ and improve their life prospects
  • Are coming to the notice of police
  • Are at risk of involvement with the criminal justice system
  • Are making their first appearance in court
  • Are not attending school regularly, or have a history of absenteeism and truancy
  • Have dropped out of or been suspended from school
  • Are exhibiting signs of being influenced by negative role models

All young fellas referred to the program must agree to voluntarily enter the centre and commit to the full program. From experience, we know that any participant who is forced, bribed or pushed into participating in the Tirkandi program is less likely to successfully complete the program.

Find out more about how to apply.

How many participants are at Tirkandi at any one time?

Tirkandi accommodates up to 14 program participants per term. These places can often fill up quickly so don’t delay, apply online today. And if you need help with your application, our friendly team is here for you. Get in touch.

What is Tirkandi’s catchment area?

The Tirkandi Inaburra Centre is located in the heart of Wiradjuri Country, halfway between Darlington Point and Coleambally in south-west NSW. Aboriginal young fellas come to join our program from more than 60 towns across Wiradjuri country. View catchment area map.

How long is the program, and when does it start and finish?

The Tirkandi program runs for an entire school term. This can be between 9.5 and 11 weeks, depending on the length of the term. Find out more about the program.

Is Tirkandi a “jail” or a place for “bad boys”?

No. Tirkandi is neither of these things. We are funded by the NSW Department of Communities & Justice, through the Targeted Earlier Intervention Program, which means we try to help young fellas who might be making some bad choices, skipping school, hanging with the wrong crowd, or getting caught up in the justice system. Our program is completely voluntary, so we can’t hold young fellas here who don’t want to be here. Find out more about the program.

Is Tirkandi safe?

Yes. Very safe. Tirkandi staff are onsite to supervise program participants 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our dedicated team is made up of youth workers, case managers, a health and safety officer and many more who share the responsibility to care, guide and support all participants. Even while our participants are sleeping, our staff are monitoring, supporting and preparing for the following day. Find out more about our team.

Is the Tirkandi program COVID-Safe?

Yes, it is. Tirkandi has excellent COVID-Safe plans for all components of the program which exceed the requirements suggested by NSW Department of Health. Find out more about the program.

Does Tirkandi cater for food allergies and special diets?

We can cater for most dietary requirements. We provide six meals per day at Tirkandi (breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and supper) which are all cooked in-house. However, we suggest speaking with one of our friendly team members in the first instance to discuss your dietary needs. Find out more about the program.

About our staff

Are staff onsite to supervise 24/7?

Tirkandi staff are onsite to supervise, guide and support program participants 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Onsite schooling is provided by outreach from Coleambally Central School, under the supervision of the school principal, and operates Monday to Friday during the term from 9am to 3pm. Find out more about our team.

Do you have a medical professional onsite?

No, we don’t. However, we do have a health and safety officer and an identified first aid officer is appointed for each shift. What’s more, all of our staff are trained regularly in first aid techniques. Our closest GP is only a 10-minute drive away and the nearest hospital is a 45-minute drive. We also maintain an extensive supply of first aid materials onsite, including epipens and a defibrillator. Find out more about our team.

Are all Tirkandi staff Aboriginal?

No, we aren’t all Aboriginal. Here at Tirkandi, we are committed to delivering a program that is accepting, understanding and representative of our communities. And while many of our staff are of Aboriginal descent, we have built a diverse team to support participants during their cultural journey. Find out more about our team.

Who funds Tirkandi?

Tirkandi is funded by the NSW Department of Communities & Justice, under the Targeted Earlier Intervention stream. This means that Tirkandi is focused on “getting in early” before any kind of issues or problems become serious. Find out more about the program.

Making an application

How can I apply?

You can apply for the Tirkandi Inaburra Program online, or download the application form and submit via email or post. You can ask your school to complete and submit the form direct to us.

Or, you can get in touch with our friendly team and we’ll support you through the application process as much as possible. Find out more about making an application.

Who can refer someone to the program?

Anyone can refer a young Aboriginal male (aged 12 to 15 years) to the Tirkandi Inaburra Program, including:

  • Family members and carers
  • Community members
  • Government or non-government organisations (such as the Department of Education, community services or local lands council)
  • Any other organization
Who is eligible for the program?

We welcome applications from Aboriginal males aged 12 to 15 years who reside in our catchment area, are non-serious offenders, do not present with serious mental health or behavioural concerns, and meet one or more of the following selection criteria:

  • Are exhibiting signs of disengagement from family and community life
  • Have low levels of literacy and numeracy and want to improve
  • Want to make the ‘shift’ and improve their life prospects
  • Are coming to the notice of police
  • Are at risk of involvement with the criminal justice system
  • Are making their first appearance in court
  • Are not attending school regularly, or have a history of absenteeism and truancy
  • Have dropped out of or been suspended from school
  • Are exhibiting signs of being influenced by negative role models

All Aboriginal boys referred to the program must agree to voluntarily enter the centre and commit to the full program. Find out more about making an application.

Is priority given to applicants who meet certain criteria?

We may give priority to applicants who:

  • Have support from either their family, community, or sponsoring agency
  • Have a need for intensive work to improve literacy and numeracy
  • Are already disengaged from school and community
  • Are subject to housing instability, poverty and/or neglect
  • Have exposure to, or are starting to undertake, risky behaviours
  • Do not have outstanding police or court matters
  • Have the ability to manage current medical illness or complex medical needs
  • Are assessed as having the potential to benefit from the program
  • Demonstrate commitment to undertaking the program (as assessed at interview)

Find out more about making an application.

Are there any criteria for exclusion?

Under the current Tirkandi Inaburra program criteria, applications from any of the following will not be accepted:

  • Non-Aboriginal boys
  • Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal girls
  • Boys under 12 years or over 15 years at the time of program commencement
  • Sex offenders
  • Serious violent offenders
  • Boys with current drug and/or alcohol dependence
  • Boys diagnosed with complex mental illness or complex medical needs which Tirkandi determine are not manageable at the centre
  • Boys who are a safety risk to themselves, other participants and/or staff (as assessed by Tirkandi on the basis of information provided)

Find out more about making an application.

Does it cost anything to apply or come to Tirkandi?

No, there is no cost involved whatsoever. No application fees. No program fees. The program is fully funded and everything is paid for, including food, accommodation and all activities. The boys do not need any pocket money while they are on the program, and we kindly ask parents and carers not to give or send the boys any money while they are here. Find out more about making an application.

Is there a waiting list?

There are times when we receive more than 14 applications for a single term and need to create a waiting list. Tirkandi and the Department of Education carefully consider all current applications and compile a cohort for each term based on a range of criteria including age, diversity, geography, need, presenting issues and academic ability etc. While places are not awarded on a first-in-best-dressed basis, we recommend submitting your application as early as possible so we can get the ball rolling. Find out more about making an application.

How long does it take for applications to be processed?

Applications will not be processed until all forms are completed in full. Completed applications are then reviewed by the Yalbalinya Decision-making Panel at mid-term (week 5) and all applicants will be notified in the final week of term, prior to commencement the 10-week program. Find out more about making an application.

About our facilities

What are the facilities like?

The Tirkandi Inaburra Cultural and Development Centre was designed in consultation with local Aboriginal male youth and purpose-built to accommodate 14 Aboriginal boys. Find out more about the facilities.

More answers for program participants

What will I be doing while I’m at Tirkandi?

You’ll be building your cultural pride and identity with the uncles on bushwalks and camps and through learning dance and the ancient Wiradjuri language. You’ll participate in sporting activities and a daily exercise to improve your physical wellness. You’ll learn in groups and one-on-one sessions to improve your reading, writing and mathematics and develop life skills. You’ll enjoy free time and fun activities with the other participants and make friendships. And you’ll get to chat with the uncles and aunties, youth workers and Headspace about life choices, respect, peer pressure, gender fairness, culture, goals and more. Find out more about the program.

What is expected of me, as a participant?

You must agree to voluntarily enter the centre and commit to the program for up to 11 weeks. You must be willing to engage with our staff, try your best and most importantly, have fun! Find out more about the program.

Can I leave if I don’t like it?

Yes, Tirkandi is completely voluntary. We will always do our best to work with you and try to fix any problems or issues that might be making you miss home or want to leave the program. Find out more about the program.

Can I bring personal items to Tirkandi?

You can choose to bring small personal items such as a favourite pillow, some pictures of family, posters, or a good-luck charm. But you can’t bring your mobile phone, cigarettes or drugs, weapons or your bike. Find out more about the program.

What essentials will I need to bring?

You’ll need to bring enough clothing that’s suitable for the season. Your clothes will be laundered regularly, so there’s no need to bring too many items. You’ll also need enough medication to last the entire 10 to 11-week program, preferably in pre-filled blister packs for increased security and integrity. We’ll send more info with your participant acceptance letter listing all the essential items you’ll need to bring. Find out more about the program.

Can I bring money to Tirkandi?

No. Everything is paid for and included in your fully-funded place on the program, so there is no need to bring any money with you. Find out more about the program.

Will I have my own bedroom?

Yes, you will. Tirkandi has 14 bedrooms across two residences. There is one twin-bedded room in each residence if you would prefer to share a room. Find out more about our accommodation and facilities.

Will I have contact with my family while I’m at Tirkandi?

Yes, of course. All of our participants are allowed a phone call home each weekend. Although we do not encourage phone calls at other times, we will always do our best to support contact with your family or carers. Find out more about the program.

Can my family/carers come and visit me while I’m at Tirkandi?

Yes, they can. We have four short-stay units that are available free of charge on a first come, first served basis. We don’t usually accept bookings for the first three weeks of the program to give you time to settle into the program. Find out more about our accommodation and facilities.

Can I go home for a visit during the program?

Unfortunately, no, unless there are special circumstances. We are always available to discuss your circumstances and will make every effort to achieve an outcome that’s suitable for everyone involved. Find out more about the program.

More answers for parents, family and carers

What will my child/participant do whilst at Tirkandi?

The Tirkandi program is made up of four core learning areas: culture, education, life and living skills, and social and emotional Wellbeing. As well as these components, our program is filled with fun activities to ensure your child/participant has a well-balanced experience whilst at Tirkandi. Find out more about the program.

Will my child attend school whilst at Tirkandi?

Yes. Tirkandi is partnered with the NSW Department of Education and has an on-site learning centre which is staffed by five Coleambally Central School teaching staff. School runs between the normal hours of 9am and 3pm, Monday to Friday. Find out more about the program.

What is expected of the participant’s family and community?

Families are strongly encouraged to visit participants throughout the program, and we provide accommodation free of charge in four fully self-contained units on site. When participants graduate from the program and return to their community, they will still require support from their family, school, Aboriginal elders and community members to stay on track with their exit plan and achieve their goals. Get in touch with us if you have any concerns or questions.

Will I have contact with my child/participant whilst he is at Tirkandi?

Yes, you will. All of our participants are allowed a phone call home each weekend. Although we do not encourage phone calls from family/carers at other times due to the disruption this can cause to your child/participant and the program, we will always do our best to support contact with your child/participant. Get in touch with us if you have any concerns or questions.

Can I visit my child/participant whilst he is at Tirkandi?

Yes, you can. We have four short-stay units that are available free of charge on a first come, first served basis. We don’t usually accept bookings for the first three weeks of the program to allow the boys adequate time to settle into the program. Find out more about our accommodation and facilities.

Can my child/participant come home for a visit during the program?

Unfortunately, no, unless there are special circumstances. We are always available to discuss your circumstances and will make every effort to achieve an outcome that’s suitable for everyone involved. Find out more about the program.

Can I come to watch my child/participant graduate?

Of course. In fact, we strongly encourage you to attend the graduation. It’s important that we acknowledge and celebrate their achievement and give recognition for the huge effort and commitment it takes to participate and complete the program. Having their family or carers at their side as their achievements are duly recognised provides greater encouragement for them to continue their journey upon their return home. We say “the more the merrier” on graduation day! Get in touch with us if you have any questions.

What will my child/participant need to bring?

They will need to bring enough clothing that’s suitable for the season. Their clothes will be laundered regularly, so there’s no need to bring too many items. They’ll also need enough medication to last the entire 10 to 11-week program, preferably in pre-filled blister packs for increased security and integrity. We’ll send more info with your participant acceptance letter listing all the essential items they’ll need to bring. Find out more about the program.

Can my child/participant bring money with them to Tirkandi?

No. Everything is paid for and included in your fully-funded place on the program, so there is no need for your child/participant to bring any money with them. Find out more about the program.

Will my child/participant have their own bedroom?

Yes, they will. Tirkandi has 14 bedrooms across two residences. There is one twin-bedded room in each residence for participants who prefer to share a room. Find out more about our accommodation and facilities.

Can my child/participant come to Tirkandi more than once?

The short answer is, possibly. Because our model is well-researched and our program is almost identical in content from one term to the next, there would be no need to come back. That said, if there is a specific need for your child/participant to return for a second term, then we are always willing to consider this. Find out more about the program.

Is there a follow-up ‘aftercare’ program when my child returns home?

Not at present, unfortunately, as Tirkandi is not currently funded to provide this kind of post-program support. However, we are working to develop and launch a pilot aftercare program in the near future to support our bid for increased funding. And we will make every effort to follow up by phone, or to drop into schools when we are in the area, and we will ALWAYS have time to listen if you need some support or guidance. Get in touch with us anytime.

Getting to and from Tirkandi

How do I get my child/participant to Tirkandi?

We prefer each participant to be accompanied by a parent, guardian or family member when they travel to and from Tirkandi, as our experience and data we’ve collected over the years has shown that a participant who is supported upon program entry and exit in this manner has greater potential to successfully complete the program. That said, we will always endeavor to support the transportation of a child if a family has exhausted all options. Get our location/address info or get in touch.

What is the nearest CountryLink bus stop to Tirkandi?

Darlington Point bus stop is 13km from Tirkandi. If you need transport between Darlington Point and our centre, we can assist with arranging pick-up or drop-off. Contact us to request transport assistance.