Ngwala Willumbong Aboriginal Corporation

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Ngwala Willumbong Aboriginal Corporation

Providing AOD & Homelessness services to Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander People and Communities

19/11/2025

Here are some snaps from last years’ Southern Metro Family Christmas Day! What an absolute blast it was 🎄🌟

This year, we are hosting this event at St Kilda Town Hall on Friday 19 December from 11:30am! There will be heaps of family and cultural activities, food, dancing, and more 🎅🏼🥳

Excited!? So are we! Can’t wait to see you there to celebrate with us ❤️💚

18/11/2025

Our incredible cohort of AOD Trainees wen to check out the Future Dreaming exhibition last week, which features 235 artworks by First Nations artists incarcerated in 2025. Organised by The Torch, the exhibition poses the question - what future do artists emerging from the prison system imagine for themselves?

Our trainees Jedah, Annie, Daniel, Tiarna, Alynta and Jess got to check out the inspiring show which also features the works of a number of our residents at Winja Ulupna Women's Recovery Centre.

"The amount of creativity and talent in the room is incredible," says trainee Jess.
"I'm glad a program like The Torch exists to be an outlet of healing and connecting for mob."

17/11/2025

Residents of the Galiamble Men's Recovery Centre got their steps in last month on a little day trip to the Dandenong Ranges! The men ventured into the heart of Wurundjeri Country to stretch their legs, connect to Country and enjoy the spectacular view of Naarm. Suggest us your favourite Melbourne Day Trip in the comments!

16/11/2025

The Eastern Christmas Party is a joyful celebration filled with culture, community and Christmas cheer! Join us on Wednesday 17 December from 3.30pm - 6.00pm in Ringwood for:

🎄 BBQ dinner, popcorn & slushies
🎄 Cultural dancing & activities
🎄 Balloon twisting, a tattooist
🎄 And a SPECIAL GUEST!

Bring your mob, your mates and your festive spirit! For more info and to RSVP, call Greg on 0493 683 765.

13/11/2025

Ngwala trainee Jedah has been recognised by Darebin City Council as the Joint Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Emerging Community Leader of the Year!

It's been a busy year for Jedah leading her Nunkeri Tiddas dance group as both a performer and teacher, sharing culture, dance and knowledge with younger generations.

She has also been an active participant in the NRL Leadership Camp Program, an incredible sportsperson and just graduated Year 12 too! Jedah says she does what she does to "hold, share and pass on knowledge."

Jedah’s dedication to culture and community leadership truly reflects the spirit of this award. "I would like to really thank my mother Paula and say the reason I do this is because of my dad who is no longer here," says Jedah. "He was the big culture man in the family and I take my lead from him."

11/11/2025

The Swan Hill NAIDOC Ball was held last week and a couple of beloved Ngwala Staff members walked away with huge awards! Allira received the award for Recognition and Distinguished Service to the Community and Oliver was honoured as Person of the Year!

This dynamic sibling duo (even though they both insist the other is adopted) continue to impress us with talents that extend far beyond creating office wall clocks! Both are incredible role models and leaders in their community, leading by example in everything they do.

10/11/2025

On Friday 7 November, we came together for Ngwala’s Annual General Meeting - a day of reflection, connection, and vision for the future.

We opened with a heartfelt Welcome & Acknowledgement to Country led by our Chairperson, Auntie Marion Hansen, grounding us in culture and respect for the land and its Traditional Custodians.

A special thank you to our dedicated Board Members who continue to guide Ngwala with wisdom and care:

• Chairperson Auntie Marion Hansen
• Treasurer Uncle Tony McCartney
• Vice Chairperson Uncle Ronald Briggs
• Director Auntie Doreen Lovett
• Director Auntie Lucille Atkinson
• Director Uncle Robert Nicholls
• And our CEO, De-Joel Upkett

We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the wonderful Directors of Ngwala: Helena Gonebale, Liza Vanspall, Melanie Dale, and Rosealiy Thomas. Your leadership and passion make a lasting impact every day.

One of the highlights of the day was discussing Ngwala’s Strategic Plan for 2025 - 2030. It's a thoughtful roadmap to continue supporting community with strength, healing, and cultural pride.

Together, we look forward to walking forward with purpose, guided by the voices and values of our people 🖤💛❤️

09/11/2025

Art is healing. That is something that Winja Ulupna Women's Recover Centre resident Renee has truly personified with her incredible paintings.

The first painting she is standing with is called 'Strong Sister', and Renee told us that it was "done for my sister to represent family violence and for all the woman who have gone through it."

The second piece is titled 'Unbreakable Spirit of Women' and is "a devotion to women who have endured family violence. It is not only about hardship, but also about solidarity, survival, and the unbreakable spirit of women," Renee says.

Renee's artwork is being featured in The Torch exhibition 'Future Dreaming' which features 235 artworks by First Nations artists. Not only has she already sold a piece, but The Torch was so impressed with her cultural knowledge and passion that she also secured paid work with the organisation.

All this from an incredible woman who only started painting while at Ngwala! Check out the beautiful works in person at the Future Dreaming exhibition in Carlton before it closes on Saturday 22 November 🎨

06/11/2025

Under a scorching October sun, nestled along one of the many fingers of Baddaginnie Creek in Yorta Yorta country, stands a majestic scarred tree. A tree whose history and cultural significance will soon find a new home in the brand new offices of Ngwala Willumbong.

Last week, at the foot of the gnarled giant, Uncle Ron led a beautiful Smoking Ceremony for a group of Ngwala staff, Yitjawudik residents, and the Holmes family (who own the property).

Uncle Ron spoke about how Mob had been coming to this spot for thousands of years and that the tree’s stories, strength and legacy will now live on through our work at Ngwala.

The relocation of the eucalypt will happen in the coming months. Big thanks also to Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation for their assistance with the project 🌳

05/11/2025

Come along to Ngwala's Northern Mentro Women’s Group last fun-filled bingo event of the year! All materials supplied 🎉

Join us at 150 Separation Street, Northcote from 11.00am next Tuesday 11 November. To attend book your free spot with Paula on 0401 687 374 or Jess on 0419 329 720 🌟

04/11/2025

Residents from our Galiamble Men's Recovery Centre visited recently and were able to take part in a cultural cleansing ceremony, dancing and a cultural gift exchange too. It was a day of healing and connection for the men right in the heart of Naarm. 🖤💛❤

03/11/2025

Our offices and Entry Points are closed on public holidays and will therefore be closed today, Tuesday 4 November, for Melbourne Cup Day.

Entry Points at 109 Chapel St, St Kilda and 227 Bourke St, Melbourne CBD are open all other days between 9.30am and 3.30pm.

Referrals are welcome at any time via iap@ngwala.org.au or 03 9510 3233. You’re also welcome to just walk in and have a cuppa!

Address

109 Chapel Street, St Kilda
Melbourne, VIC
3182

Website

https://ngwala.org.au/

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