YACVic's partner agency Koorie Youth Council (KYC) has received the Liberty Victoria Young Voltaire Award for the Ngaga-dji project on behalf of the children who have trusted us with their stories. The collaborative project led by Anna Cerreto and Indi Clarke, voices the experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in Victoria’s youth justice system.
“This report was the first time that these children have had their voices heard, giving Victoria the chance to understand how policy choices affect their lives and the future of our communities,” said Indi Clarke, KYC Executive Officer.
Over six months in 2018, KYC engaged with four community sites (including rural, regional and metro) and two youth justice custodial centres to meet with children and young people who were currently or previously under youth justice supervision.
“I remember speaking with every single child and young person who contributed to this report. I remember the stories, the reflections and their visions for systems that truly support our children,” said Indi Clarke, KYC Executive Officer.
The stories in Ngaga-dji are from the heart, they are about love, trauma, strength, discrimination and healing. They are about justice and equality. The report shows how culturally based community services can change children’s pathways.
“We need everyone in communities, our allies, the social services sector, government, and opposition to stand together for real justice for our children. By continuing the work of Ngaga-dji we are acting on the voices of children who are calling for change,” said Indi Clarke, KYC Executive Officer.
Ngaga-dji sets out a vision for a Victoria that enables Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to thrive and the path to making that happen. The stories show us that when governments create systems that truly support the self-determination of our communities, children and their families can live free from the justice system.
“These children are telling their stories because they trust us to listen and take action on the Ngaga-dji solutions. Ngaga-dji is a call to action,” said Indi Clarke, KYC Executive Officer.
The Liberty Victoria Young Voltaire Award honours a person or group, 30 or under for an outstanding contribution to human rights or civil liberties, celebrating those who campaign and speak out or take action. The award will be presented at a dinner in Melbourne on Saturday, 27 July 2019.
Read the report: www.ngaga-djiproject.org.au
Koorie Youth Council (KYC)
KYC is the representative body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in Victoria. Guided by an Executive of 15 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, KYC values the diversity and strength of young people as decision-makers.
KYC advocates to government and community to advance the rights and representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people. By hosting events like the annual Koorie Youth Summit, KYC brings Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people together to amplify their voices for social change.
For media enquiries contact:
Indi Clarke, Executive Officer, Koorie Youth Council
Level 2/235 Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000
0438 638 734