Expressions of Interest sought - Elders and Respected Persons

Yawal Mugadjina Cultural Mentoring Program

Corrections Victoria (CV) in consultation with several stakeholders developed the Yawal Mugadjina Cultural Mentoring Program (Yawal Mugadjina) in 2018. The Yawal Mugadjina program provides culturally tailored mentoring support for Aboriginal people in custody.

This is an Aboriginal Designated Position, classified under 'special measures' of section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.

Yawal Mugadjina means to ‘stay on track' or ‘walk in the footprints of our old people' in Yorta Yorta language.

The program is structures in 3 core stages:
1. Aboriginal Wellbeing Officers working in the prison will develop a Cultural Journey with each participant
2. Elders & Respected Persons provide support to connect, reconnect or stay connected with cultural while in prison via a Cultural Journey as well as pre-release cultural support to support their reintegration into community on release from prison.
3. Local Justice Workers providing reintegration supports in prison and post-release cultural support in community with participants

Each stage complements the previous and forms a cultural transition and reintegration plan for Aboriginal people in custody.

CV would like to invite you to express your interest in being involved in stage 2 of the Yawal Mugadjina Program.

To be eligible you must:

• be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
• be recognised and respected by the Aboriginal community as a positive role model
• be willing to share your own knowledge, wisdom and experience with Aboriginal people in custody

Your role and responsibilities will include:

• A special and unique service to Aboriginal participants
• Opportunities to connect and strengthen cultural, identity and family/community connections
• Encouragement to take ownership, particularly regarding cultural identity

During the selection process you will be required to consent to a Pre-Employment Security Check and provide 100 points of ID

Please note: A recommended candidate is not automatically precluded from a position because of having a police record. CV will assess the candidate's suitability for the position.

Your application form and other supporting information will be forwarded for consideration by a selection panel consisting of a small council of Aboriginal Justice Caucus members including Elders from RAJAC and a representative from the Koori Justice Unit and Corrections Victoria.

Induction and training will be provided prior to commenting work in the prisons with ongoing training and support provided throughout your employment.

Remuneration is as follows;
You will be paid a fixed sitting fee of either:       $300 for a 2hr visit & travel
                                                                                                $600 for a 4hr visit & travel
These rates include your reimbursement for travel to and from each prison location. You will be responsible for your own transport.

Questions to think about that will be asked in the Expression or Interest (EOI) form:

• Are you connected with the local Aboriginal community?
• Why do you want to be involved in the program and what do you want to achieve as an Elder or Respected Person working with and supporting Aboriginal people in custody?
• Are there any other reasons you would like to outline for making this application?
• Can you provide the names/contact details for 2 Aboriginal community members as your referees?

To express an interest in the program please email yawal@justice.vic.gov.au

The Yawal Mugadjina Program Coordinator will then be in contact with you, provide you with an expression of interest form and support you with your application.