History
In 2006, the Nilimkal Kangoo Eastern Metropolitan Indigenous Family Violence Action Group (IFVAG), in partnership with EACH was successful in its application to the Department of Human Services for the development of an Indigenous Healing Service in servicing the Outer Eastern suburbs. Thus, Boorndawan Willam Aboriginal Healing Service was established, with a focus on the provision of a culturally relevant prevention and post-intervention program to Indigenous people in the Eastern Metropolitan Region who were affected by family violence.
The name, Boorndawan Willam, derives from the Wathaurong and Woiwurrung languages. Boorndawan (Wathaurong) meaning ‘safe’ and Willam (Woiwurrung) meaning ‘house’, combine to create a ‘safe house’. The healing service acknowledges the use of these words in the development of the organizations name. Built on the back of the Indigenous Family Violence Task Force Report (2003), Boorndawan Willam Aboriginal Healing Service adheres to the holistic approach stipulated in the report.
This approach, which is contextualised in a cultural and spiritual environment, is underpinned by the integration of Aboriginal teachings into individual services and interventions to support and protect victims of family violence, deliver specialized services for women, children and men, provide guidance for perpetrators and sustain the recovery and healing of individuals, families and communities.
Our Vision
Our ‘Vision of Healing’ is to provide a culturally safe service that assists Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from the Eastern Metropolitan Region (EMR) in their healing journey to address the impacts of family violence by providing opportunities to become strong individuals and families; live in safe communities and have healthy lives where pathways to recovery for our people can be achieved.
Our Vision determines that…
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, families and communities to live free from violence“
The vision also supports the ideals and philosophy of the Victorian Indigenous Family Violence Task Force Report (2003) where it stipulates the provision of a holistic approach in a cultural and spiritual environment, underpinned by the integration of Aboriginal teachings into individual services and interventions to support and protect victims of family violence, deliver specialized services for women, children and men, provide guidance for perpetrators and sustain the recovery and healing of individuals, families and communities.