Benang Moorditjabiny - Becoming Stronger for Tomorrow, was hosted in partnership with Reconciliation WA (RWA).
Ninety guests, including dignitaries, representatives from partner organisations, community service providers and community members, attended the event at Banksia Hill, where young people are being mentored to seek healing and strength through their cultural heritage.
The event featured reconciliation messages from a range of Government and non- government representatives, including directly from the young people, as well as cultural dance performances by young people and professional dance troupes and concluded with a group yarning session.
Among the guests was former Senator Patrick Dodson, known as the “father of reconciliation”.
He was joined by Attorney General Dr Tony Buti, Minister for Corrective Services Paul Papalia CSC, Elders and community leaders from across the State.
Department of Justice Director General Kylie Maj said it was a “first of its kind” event, the likes of which had never before been held inside a youth justice facility in Western Australia.
“We listened when young people told us they would like ‘to bring the outside world in’ to celebrate National Reconciliation Week,” Ms Maj said.
“Reconciliation is imperative to the work we do across the State. Here at Banksia Hill, it’s evident we are taking significant steps to improve outcomes for young people, alongside Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, including the introduction of important programs and supports,” Ms Maj said.
Guests gathered in a dedicated cultural space in bushland at Banksia Hill, a ceremonial site created by young people and staff to reflect, yarn and heal.
Reconciliation WA Co-Chair Debra Zanella said reconciliation is a journey that requires courage, commitment, and meaningful action.
“As National Reconciliation Week continues to unite communities across the country, Reconciliation WA highlights the vital role of genuine dialogue and shared purpose in advancing reconciliation,” Ms Zanella said.
RWA CEO Jody Nunn underscored that reconciliation is a shared responsibility built on trust, listening, and mutual respect.
"It is way past the time of talking; we must put our words into actions and start walking the path together, with courage and compassion,” Ms Nunn said.
Reconciliation WA’s recent engagement with students at Banksia Hill focused on ways to encourage young people to find and use their voices, encouraging them to take part in ongoing conversations about reconciliation and their futures.
Young people at Banksia Hill were involved in event planning and delivery, supported by the Corrective Services’ Aboriginal Services team and the Aboriginal Justice Transformation unit.
They spent weeks learning cultural dances, their reflections were captured in writing on footprints that marked the path to the ceremonial space, and students in woodwork classes constructed a model bridge for display.
Corrective Services Commissioner Brad Royce said the unprecedented event demonstrated the Department’s commitment to reconciliation.
“Under the new therapeutic Model of Care, Aboriginal Elders and mentors have commenced regular visits to our facilities, and we have partnered with ACCOs, such as the Council of Aboriginal Services WA, to deliver programs that are relevant and of interest to young people,” Commissioner Royce said.
“We have built our team of Aboriginal Youth Support Officers to assist Aboriginal young people from entry to exit, and ensured key teams, from case planning and psychology to education, are linked within a culturally safe and secure environment.”
He said Banksia Hill had partnered with CASWA in the co-design of a cultural security framework to guide management, leadership, governance, policy and frontline practices for the benefit of young people.
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