Commitment to Child Safety & Wellbeing
Nirrumbuk is firmly committed to the safety, wellbeing, and protection of all children and young people.
We uphold this commitment by embedding the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations across all policies, procedures, and service delivery practices. All staff and volunteers are informed of, and expected to meet, their responsibilities to act ethically and to actively contribute to maintaining a safe environment for children and young people.
Nirrumbuk is dedicated to fostering cultural safety for every child, including Aboriginal children, children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and children with disability.
We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse and are committed to listening to, respecting, and empowering the voices of children and young people.
Robust systems and processes are in place to safeguard children and young people from harm. All concerns and allegations are treated seriously and addressed promptly in accordance with organisational policies, procedures, and mandatory reporting obligations.
We are committed to continuously strengthening our child-safe practices, guided by the input and experiences of the children and young people we support, as well as their families and guardians.
Pinakarra Our Way Program
Nirrumbuk Aboriginal Corporation is deeply committed to supporting Aboriginal youth to re-engage with education, training, and employment, while reducing the risk of disengagement and involvement in the justice system. The Pinakarra Our Way Program is designed to achieve positive, sustainable outcomes for young people in Broome who are experiencing, or are at risk of, disconnection from school, community, or constructive pathways.
Targeting young people aged 15–25, the program provides tailored, strengths-based support to assist participants in reconnecting with education, securing employment, or pursuing further training. At its core, the program recognises the importance of culturally grounded, individualised approaches that address both immediate needs and underlying challenges.
Participants benefit from intensive one-on-one support, mentoring, and coaching, enabling a deeper understanding of personal circumstances while fostering resilience, confidence, and self-determination. Through this process, individuals are supported to set meaningful goals and develop the skills necessary to achieve them.
Pinakarra adopts a holistic, community-centred approach, working in close collaboration with families, schools, the justice system, service providers, and the broader community. This integrated model ensures that participants are supported within a strong network that reflects both cultural and social contexts.
Program Overview
Participants have access to a range of targeted supports, including:
- A structured 10-week Jump Start program, designed to build essential life skills, enhance confidence, and strengthen literacy and numeracy capabilities, preparing participants for entry-level employment or further training opportunities, including pathways into TAFE.
- Intensive case management for individuals requiring specialised, tailored support, with a focus on goal setting, personal development, and sustainable pathways into education or employment.
What We Offer
- Culturally responsive service delivery, including activities conducted on Country
- Individualised case management, with one-on-one support tailored to each participant’s needs
- Mentoring and coaching that fosters confidence, capability, and independence
- Ongoing support for participants and their families to ensure continuity and stability
Key Outcomes
- Enhanced self-confidence, empowerment, and resilience
- Flexible program delivery tailored to individual circumstances
- Practical support to build employability skills and access job opportunities
- Access to a dedicated Learning Centre for literacy, numeracy, and digital skills development
- Participation in camps and experiential activities that support personal growth and program objectives
- Increased awareness and connection to community services and support networks
- Strong integration across government, education, and community sectors
- Deep local knowledge and strong Aboriginal community and family connections
- A focus on achievable, incremental progress that leads to meaningful long-term change
We welcome individuals and families to connect with us to learn more about how the Pinakarra Our Way Program can provide support and create pathways forward.
Back to School Program
Nirrumbuk Aboriginal Corporation believes that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential through education, irrespective of financial circumstances.
In response to the rising costs associated with primary and secondary schooling, Nirrumbuk offers a Back to School Program designed to ease financial pressures on families. Through this initiative, eligible families can access practical support to ensure children are equipped with the essential resources required for a successful start to the school year.
Available Assistance
- School uniforms – up to two sets per child
- Stationery packs – valued up to $100 per child
Eligibility Criteria
To access support through the Back to School Program, applicants must:
- Provide evidence of being the child’s principal carer
- Hold a valid Centrelink concession card, with the child/children listed
- Present the relevant school booklist and/or uniform requirements at the time of appointment
For further information, please contact a member of the Pinakarra team.
Return to School Support
Nirrumbuk is committed to supporting the Broome community in addressing school attendance and engagement challenges among children and young people aged 10–17 years.
Through proactive community engagement, including a youth patrol service operating three mornings per week during the school term, Nirrumbuk works to identify and respond to barriers impacting school attendance.
Families are encouraged to engage directly with their child’s school to explore available support options. Nirrumbuk complements this process by providing practical and tailored assistance.
How We Support Families
- Case management to support re-engagement with education
- Coordination and facilitation of meetings with schools
- Transport assistance to attend school meetings, with on-the-day support
- Provision of uniforms and school resources to ensure children are prepared for school
- Referrals to appropriate professional services where additional support is required
Nirrumbuk’s team is available to provide guidance and support. For assistance, please contact us on (08) 9193 7100.
Supporting Adolescent Boys Trial
Nirrumbuk Aboriginal Corporation has been entrusted to deliver the Supporting Adolescent Boys trial in regional Western Australia. This is a trauma-informed, healing-focused early intervention program designed to support adolescent boys and young men who have experienced childhood adversity within their families.
Stepping Ahead is Nirrumbuk’s approach to this program — a pathway for young males to heal, grow, and become positive members of their community. Many participants have faced experiences that no one should have to endure — experiences that leave lasting impacts and can lead to feelings of anger, confusion, and behaviours that may harm themselves or others. Often, they do not fully understand these responses and may feel caught in cycles of violence without knowing how to move forward.
The program supports young males in finding their path to healing and taking ownership of their future. It creates a safe and positive space where participants feel heard and valued, while learning to build respectful and healthy relationships.
The Stepping Ahead team provides gentle, trauma-informed support through non-judgmental care, culturally safe mentoring, and meaningful activities. The approach is simple: no blame, no shame — just support. Through this work, young people and their families are supported to grow stronger together, developing healthier ways to communicate, live, and heal.
This program is an investment in the future of the community, focused on breaking cycles of harm and building stronger, more connected lives. It is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services.
The program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services till 2027.
If you would like to know more about the program, please call us on 9193 7100 or email us on ycsmanager@nirrumbuk.org.au.
Learning Centre
The Nirrumbuk Learning Centre provides a welcoming, quiet, and air-conditioned environment designed to support individual learning and personal development. Equipped with a range of tailored learning resources, a small library, and modern IT facilities, the Centre offers a supportive space for clients to build essential skills at their own pace.
Support is delivered in response to individual needs and may include assistance in the following areas:
- Development of core skills in reading, writing, listening, speaking, and numeracy
- Enhancement of computer, digital, and information technology capabilities
- Guidance in understanding and completing assessment tasks for training units
- Financial literacy, including budgeting and money management
- Time management and organisational skills
- Driver’s licence theory preparation and related support activities
- Exploration of career pathways and training opportunities
- Employment readiness, including resume development, applications, interview preparation, workplace skills, and Work Health and Safety (WHS) awareness
- Health and wellbeing support, information, and engagement activities
The Learning Centre utilises a user-friendly, online Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment tool, LLN Robot, enabling clients to complete a skills check at their own pace. This process provides valuable insight into current competency levels and identifies areas for further development.
Assessment results are presented graphically and aligned with national Vocational Education and Training (VET) standards, up to Certificate III level. Key areas assessed include Learning, Reading, Writing, Oral Communication, and Numeracy.
Benefits of the LLN Skills Check
- Supports the development of rapport between clients and staff
- Identifies existing skills and levels of confidence in their application
- Highlights individual learning needs and skill gaps
- Informs the level and type of support required
- Encourages clients to actively seek assistance
- Assists in identifying individuals at risk of struggling with essential life skills
- Provides trainers and employers with a clear understanding of LLN capabilities
- Enhances participant retention through early identification and targeted support
The Nirrumbuk Learning Centre is committed to empowering individuals with the skills, confidence, and knowledge needed to achieve their personal, educational, and employment goals.
Support Services
Adults
Lifeline: 13 11 14, lifeline.org.au, chat service
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467, suicidecallbackservice.org.au
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636, beyondblue.org.au
MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978, mensline.org.au
Youth
Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800, kidshelpline.com.au
Headspace: 1800 650 890 headspace.org.au
ReachOut: au.reachout.com
Other resources
Medicare mental health (Head to Health): headtohealth.gov.au
Life in Mind: suicide prevention lifeinmind.org.au
If life in danger, call 000
SANE is for people with recurring, persistent or complex mental health issues and trauma, and for their families, friends and communities: sane.org
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and/or intersex: 1800 184 527
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet: healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au
Embrace Multicultural Mental Health for culturally and linguistically diverse: embracementalhealth.org.au
Compliments, Suggestions or Complaints
Your views about the service you receive from Nirrumbuk Aboriginal Corporation is important to us. If you would like to make a complaint, suggest an improvement to our current service delivery or give us a compliment about the help you’ve received, please talk to our friendly staff who will talk you through our compliments, suggestions and complaints process.