Supporting First Nations Communities 

Youth Connection to Country Camp 

Supporting Aboriginal young people to reconnect with culture, Country and community 

The Challenge 

For many Aboriginal young people, disconnection from culture, Country and community can have a deep impact. 

This disconnection can affect confidence, identity and wellbeing, particularly for young people navigating complex life circumstances. Elders also carry the responsibility of passing on cultural knowledge, often with limited support. 

Strengthening these connections is essential for building resilience, identity and a sense of belonging. 

What We Do 

Together with Kura Yerlo in Adelaide, Mercy Works supports Aboriginal young people through culturally grounded, community-led programs. 

Connection to Country 
Young people participate in an immersive on-Country camp where they learn through cultural practices, storytelling, language and time spent on land. 

Learning from Elders 
Elders and Cultural Knowledge Holders guide all activities, sharing knowledge, traditions and cultural practices in a safe and respectful way. 

Building identity and confidence 
Through cultural activities and group experiences, young people strengthen their sense of identity, pride and belonging. 

Creating safe spaces for healing and growth 
The program provides culturally safe, trauma-informed environments where young people can build resilience, confidence and connection to community. 

The Impact 

This program supports meaningful, long-term change: 

• Young people build stronger connections to culture, Country and community  
• Increased confidence, pride and sense of identity  
• Stronger relationships between young people, Elders and families  
• Greater community connection and intergenerational knowledge sharing  

Why This Matters 

Connection to culture is central to wellbeing. 

When young people are supported to reconnect with Country, language and community, they are better able to build strong identities, make positive choices, and contribute to their communities. 

This work helps ensure that cultural knowledge, traditions and identity are carried forward for future generations. 

You can help Aboriginal young people reconnect with culture, build confidence, and strengthen their future. 

Baabayan Mums & Bubs Group 

Supporting young Aboriginal mothers and their children in Western Sydney 

In Western Sydney, many young Aboriginal mothers face complex challenges as they care for their children. 

Social isolation, limited access to services, and the pressures of parenting can make it difficult to build confidence and stability. Without the right support, families can become disconnected from community, culture and opportunity. 

Early childhood is a critical time. When mothers are supported, children are more likely to grow, learn and thrive. 

Selina’s Story 

Selina is a young Aboriginal mother living in Western Sydney with her children. 

Before joining the program, she often felt isolated and unsure where to turn for support. Parenting on her own, she found it difficult to access services and build connections. 

Since joining the Mums and Bubs program, Selina has found a strong sense of belonging. 

Through weekly sessions, she has built confidence, learned new skills, and connected with other mothers. She now feels supported, more confident in her parenting, and better able to navigate services when her family needs help. 

For Selina, the program has created something powerful — connection, confidence and a pathway forward.  

What We Do 

Together with Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation, Mercy Works supports young mothers and their children through a culturally safe, community-led program. 

Supporting young mothers 
Weekly group sessions provide a safe space for mothers to connect, share experiences, and build confidence through peer support and practical learning. 

Early childhood learning and care 
Children participate in culturally grounded early learning activities that support development, social skills and connection to culture. 

Building skills and independence 
Workshops and guest speakers provide practical knowledge on parenting, health, education and everyday life skills. 

One-on-one support 
A community worker provides personalised support, including help with housing, income support services, legal services and navigating complex systems. 

The Impact 

This program is already strengthening families: 

• Around 25 mothers supported each year  

• More than 30 children engaged in early learning and care

• The majority of participants report feeling more connected and less isolated 

• Families supported with housing, services and practical needs  

Why This Matters 

When mothers feel supported, families are stronger. 

This program helps: 

• Build confidence and parenting skills  
• Strengthen cultural identity and connection  
• Support children’s early development  
• Reduce the risk of families becoming involved in the child protection system  

It creates a safe space where mothers and children can grow together. 

You can help young mothers and their children build strong, connected and confident futures. 

Tjungu Wattyjarra (Family Together) 

Supporting Aboriginal women and families in Adelaide 

In South Australia, Aboriginal women and families face complex and ongoing challenges. 

Aboriginal children are significantly overrepresented in the child protection system, and Aboriginal women are disproportionately impacted by incarceration and its long-term effects.  

For many families, this creates a cycle of separation, instability, and disconnection from culture and community. 

Without culturally safe support, women leaving prison and families navigating child protection systems can become further isolated, and children may be separated from kin, culture and Country. 

Jane’s Story 

Jane* is an Aboriginal mother from Adelaide. 

After years of instability and time in prison, her children were removed through the child protection system. Determined to rebuild her life, Jane is now working towards a safer and more stable future. 

But the challenges are significant, from finding secure housing to navigating complex systems and meeting court requirements. 

With support from programs like Tjungu Wattyjarra, women like Jane are not alone. 

Through mentoring, practical support and connection to community, Jane is beginning to rebuild her life and work towards being reunited with her children. 

*Name and identifying details have been changed to protect privacy. 

What We Do 

Together with the Aboriginal Berean Community Church in Adelaide, Mercy Works supports Aboriginal women and families through culturally grounded, community-led programs. 

Advocacy and family support 
Working alongside families to navigate the child protection system and advocate for outcomes that keep children connected to kin, culture and community. 

Supporting women leaving prison 
Providing mentoring, practical support, and culturally safe spaces to help women rebuild their lives after incarceration. 

Cultural connection and healing 
Delivering Women’s Gatherings, yarning circles, and workshops that strengthen identity, wellbeing, and connection to culture. 

Practical, immediate support 
Providing emergency food, accommodation, and essential items to women and families in times of crisis. 

The Impact 

This program is already making a difference: 

• 72 adults and 56 children supported  
• Families supported to respond to child protection concerns  
• Women supported as they transition from prison back into community  

Stronger community voice through participation in justice and policy consultations  

Why This Matters 

This work is about keeping families together. 

By strengthening connection to culture, community and support networks, the program helps: 

• Reduce the risk of child removal  
• Support women to successfully transition from prison  
• Build stronger, more resilient families  
• Empower women as leaders within their communities  

You can help keep families connected, supported and strong. 

Remote Laundries 

Improving health and wellbeing in remote Aboriginal communities 

In remote Aboriginal communities, something as simple as washing clothes can be incredibly difficult. 

Limited access to washing machines, clean water and reliable power means that clothes and bedding often cannot be properly cleaned or dried, especially during the wet season. 

Without access to basic hygiene, infections such as scabies and skin sores can spread quickly. These infections can lead to serious and preventable conditions, including rheumatic heart disease. 

This is not just about cleanliness. It is about health, dignity and quality of life. 

What We Do 

Together with the Aboriginal Investment Group, Mercy Works supports remote communities through access to free, community-run laundry facilities. 

Access to essential services 
Providing free, commercial-grade washing and drying services so families can keep clothes and bedding clean all year round. 

Improving community health 
Supporting better hygiene to reduce the spread of infections and prevent serious health conditions. 

Creating local employment 
Employing and training local community members, including young people, building skills, confidence and pathways to future work. 

Community-led solutions 
Designed and led by Aboriginal communities, ensuring services are culturally appropriate and responsive to local needs. 

The Impact 

This simple service is creating powerful change: 

• Thousands of loads of washing completed each year  
• Local jobs created, including opportunities for young people  
• Increased access to clean clothes and bedding across the community  
• Reduced risk of preventable infections and disease  

For example, in the first quarter alone, the Gunbalanya laundry completed over 600 cycles of washing while employing local staff and supporting families to maintain hygiene.  

Why This Matters 

Access to clean clothes and bedding is fundamental to health. 

By improving hygiene, this program helps: 

• Prevent the spread of infection  
• Reduce the risk of serious disease  
• Strengthen dignity and wellbeing  
• Support healthier families and communities  

It is a simple solution with life-changing impact. 

You can help families stay healthy, strong and connected in their communities.