Inala Wangarra makes a difference because WE are different. 

We are the only organisation in our region owned, managed and staffed by local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. People who live or are connected to our community, people who understand the culture, the reality and the rich lived experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Inala and the surrounding suburbs.

Our programs, services, deliverables and, indeed all contact with our community, is grounded in Indigenous self-determination and cultural values, enabling our community to WALK TALL – United in Pride, Self and Culture.

We provide important linkage services enabling our community members to access social, health and human services.

We are the first point of call for a range Government and non-Government departments delivering front-line services into the South-West region, providing expert cultural and community advice and engagement.

 We make a difference because we are different.

My name is Danae and I am in year 6.

I got to be a part of Inala Wangarra’s Gift of Gallang program. We did a smoking ceremony and each week we used clapsticks. We also thought about our feelings and wrote them on leaves and stuck them on a tree. This helped us to let them go. We talked about our feelings a lot and I learnt how to express mine better.

I also learnt a lot about my culture and how to let go of the feelings I don’t like. One way is writing them down and then get rid of them by burning them in a fire.

We went on an excursion around Inala and went to Boundary Rd and we talked about what the road meant.  It was really sad for Aboriginal people and it made me angry. We also got to go to special places in Inala for Aboriginal people, like Len Waters park.

The Gift of Gallang Program has really helped with my life. I am more proud and strong in my culture and it has encouraged me to keep going.