Warringu acknowledge all the First Nations Peoples from across this Country and the Leaders of the past, present and future whose tireless work has been to improve the lives of others. We are guided by the strong foundations laid by our Elders and their aspirations of a better future for all our People. We give thanks to their wisdom, strength and tenacity in never giving up on their powerful advocacy for our People to survive and thrive so that one day, we may enjoy the same quality of life as other Australians.
Furthermore, Warringu acknowledge our Elders who have been instrumental in establishing our organisation and thank them for their foresight in setting up an organisation that provides safe shelter to women and children escaping violence.
WELCOME TO WARRINGU
Warringu Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation is a specialist Domestic and Family Violence service operating in Cairns, Far North Queensland. Warringu is governed by an entirely First Nations board of Directors. Our Directors and leadership team have relevant tertiary qualifications along with many years of experience working in service delivery, management and leadership across the sector including government. We are focused on expanding our services across genders and age groups to increase the value and inclusiveness of our model of care to reduce and eradicate DFV and the ongoing impacts of the trauma it causes.
Warringu recognises the unique states of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the First Peoples of our Nation and these principles are incorporated in the various ways in which we work.
We acknowledge that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have suffered the effects of violence, oppression, dispossession and dislocation brought about by the colonial policies of the recent past.
We further acknowledge that this violence in the recent past, and the ongoing endemic racism in Australian society at large has an inextricable link to current levels of domestic and family violence within our communities, placing many of our women and children in extremely vulnerable and often powerless positions.
Applying the concept of self-determination must therefore be integral to the services we offer.
A safe and civil society in which all of its members can live free from the effects of trauma and violence and aspire to reach their full potential.
Slide
To realise our vision, we must be an aspirational and forward-thinking organisation - a leader in supporting women and children to recover from the effects of domestic violence in a culturally considered way, in breaking the cycle of domestic violence and in building strong families.
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We must lead by example by providing a culturally safe environment where our staff and clients feel welcome and are encouraged to share their stories and wisdom with others.
----------
We must offer insight and influence systematic change to address domestic violence in the whole of society.
Slide
To Shelter, support and advocate for women and children who are escaping domestic and family violence, or who are at risk of same.
------
To apply our cultural knowledge and understanding to strengthen families and their ability to heal and prosper within contemporary society so that further generations of First Nation Australians are no longer over-represented in all the statutory systems and in statistics highlighting them as the most vulnerable group in Australian society today.
------
To offer a continuum of safe, confidential housing options, from emergency shelter to long-term permanent housing solutions and provide an array of crisis intervention services, case management, and emotional and practical support to women and children in the shelter, including financial assistance when required and available.
------
To address the many complexities and barriers associated with domestic violence on an individual level, by responding to the unique needs of each woman and children. We acknowledge that we must take a lifelong approach in dealing with the trauma and effects of domestic violence and will lead the way to create the "village" required to break the cycle.
Slide
RESPECT
Respect the inherent dignity, worth and autonomy of every person.
------
Provide socially-just services mindful of fulfilling duty of care and duty to avoid doing harm to others.
------
Understand that each person has a right to their own well-being, self-fulfillment and self-determination, unless this impinges on the rights of others.
------
Demonstrate positive regard in all of our interactions.
SELF-DETERMINATION
Service users come to our shelter with their own strengths.
------
Service users may require assistance in recognising they have the right to make their own choices.
------
Service users are the experts of their own lives.
------
Our role is to empower service users to believe that they and their children can live independently and free from violence.
COLLABORATION
Understand the gendered context of violence in our society and are committed to partnering with other organisations to achieve better outcomes for clients.
------
Form partnerships, both formal and informal to mutually benefit clients and staff including guiding and engaging organisations to work effectively with First Nations clients.
------
Are committed to working across the sector with other individuals and organisations to provide an integrated response to violence against women in our communities.
------
Partner with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations to enhance our responses to relevant issues in our Community.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Accountable to our Community, the members of our organisation and funding bodies to carry out the work we have been tasked to do.
------
Committed to transparency in the way we work, including ethical practice and being honest and trustworthy.
------
Mindful of all cultural protocols, legislative requirements and guiding principles and practices for the work we do.
------
Committed to the organisational governance and overseeing its strategic operations and staff following through with day-to-day service delivery.
Slide
1. SOUND GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Promotes the most effective use of our resources, both human and material, to achieve our purpose
----
Provide long-term sustainability by fulfilling all service expectations and reporting requirements for members and for funding bodies
----
Consists of skilled and experienced Management Committee Members, utilising their professional and personal expertise in sustaining the organisation, now and into the future
----
Offers up a strategic plan with a vision and purpose, values and objectives and strategies for service delivery
----
Warringu’s management systems are clearly defined, documented, monitored and communicated regularly, including financial management, assets and risk
----
Ensures solid management processes regarding human and material resources.
----
Ensuring all financial dealings are properly recorded and reported, in accordance with legislative requirements.
----
Develop a reputation as the preeminent organisation in the sector with a history reliably delivering our services
----
Develop sustainable business model – Grant and other revenue sources
2. QUALITY SERVICE DELIVERY
Operate an evidence-based framework of practice providing effective service delivery across multiple programs including the ability to adapt and adopt a First Nations workforce
----
Services are tailored to the individual needs of women and children, in a culturally appropriate way
----
To enhance long-term positive outcomes for the residents, we partner with other organisations; this enables our residents to obtain the best assistance from those with the most expertise
----
Excellence in service delivery is reliant on a suitably skilled workforce, with the head, heart and hands to carry out their work with professional integrity
----
Upskilling of workers, and sound recruitment processes will promote continuous improvement in service delivery
----
Warringu has effective information management systems that maintain appropriate controls of privacy and confidentiality for residents
----
Warringu’s physical and cultural environment is conducive to putting residents at ease and promotes excellence in communication
----
Resident feedback is sought regularly and is used to improve service delivery.
Slide
3. SAFETY, WELLBEING AND RIGHTS
Processes regarding access are fair, transparent and non-discriminatory
----
Uphold the legal and human rights of residents and workers, including their safety and wellbeing, participation and choice, regardless of cultural background, ethnicity, physical and mental health status, levels of ability / disability, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status
----
Warringu will be proactive in identifying anything which may jeopardise the safety of residents and workers; policies regarding work health and safety must be upheld and constantly reviewed
Warringu will provide consistent, appropriate responses and will report any potential or actual harm
----
The physical environment of the shelter premises will be maintained to a satisfactory level, eg., providing safe areas for children
----
Warringu understands that an aesthetically pleasing environment is also conducive to healing
----
Warringu will provide effective feedback, complaints and appeals model – Grant and other revenue sources
4. COMMITMENT TO CLIENT OUTCOMES
Engage with and understand the needs of our community and provide the right service at the right time
----
Our focus will be on enhanced safety and protection from harm for users of our service
Competent use of web-based information exchange systems as required
----
Development of, and implementation of tools which track outcomes for service users of the shelter, with better outcomes for service users as a result
----
Warringu will commit to active participation at local and regional forums which help to develop a shared understanding of improved quality of life and social and familial connectedness for users of our service.
----
Influence systemic change by lobbying for a First Nations DFV Peak Body to build a network to inform Government Policy
Slide
Truth Telling – Innovation – Improvement – constantly seeking better ways of doing things
Promote, enhance and assist what we are doing well
Model a pathway to restoration and healing
Strong, capable and resilient workforce
StrategicPlan
Slide
Slide
A safe and civil society in which all of its members can live free from the effects of trauma and violence and aspire to reach their full potential.
Slide
To realise our vision, we must be an aspirational and forward-thinking organisation - a leader in supporting women and children to recover from the effects of domestic violence in a culturally considered way, in breaking the cycle of domestic violence and in building strong families.
----------
We must lead by example by providing a culturally safe environment where our staff and clients feel welcome and are encouraged to share their stories and wisdom with others.
----------
We must offer insight and influence systematic change to address domestic violence in the whole of society.
Slide
To Shelter, support and advocate for women and children who are escaping domestic and family violence, or who are at risk of same.
------
To apply our cultural knowledge and understanding to strengthen families and their ability to heal and prosper within contemporary society so that further generations of First Nation Australians are no longer over-represented in all the statutory systems and in statistics highlighting them as the most vulnerable group in Australian society today.
------
To offer a continuum of safe, confidential housing options, from emergency shelter to long-term permanent housing solutions and provide an array of crisis intervention services, case management, and emotional and practical support to women and children in the shelter, including financial assistance when required and available.
------
To address the many complexities and barriers associated with domestic violence on an individual level, by responding to the unique needs of each woman and children. We acknowledge that we must take a lifelong approach in dealing with the trauma and effects of domestic violence and will lead the way to create the "village" required to break the cycle.
Slide
RESPECT
Respect the inherent dignity, worth and autonomy of every person.
------
Provide socially-just services mindful of fulfilling duty of care and duty to avoid doing harm to others.
------
Understand that each person has a right to their own well-being, self-fulfillment and self-determination, unless this impinges on the rights of others.
------
Demonstrate positive regard in all of our interactions.
Slide
SELF-DETERMINATION
Service users come to our shelter with their own strengths.
------
Service users may require assistance in recognising they have the right to make their own choices.
------
Service users are the experts of their own lives.
------
Our role is to empower service users to believe that they and their children can live independently and free from violence.
Slide
COLLABORATION
Understand the gendered context of violence in our society and are committed to partnering with other organisations to achieve better outcomes for clients.
------
Form partnerships, both formal and informal to mutually benefit clients and staff including guiding and engaging organisations to work effectively with First Nations clients.
------
Are committed to working across the sector with other individuals and organisations to provide an integrated response to violence against women in our communities.
------
Partner with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations to enhance our responses to relevant issues in our Community.
Slide
ACCOUNTABILITY
Accountable to our Community, the members of our organisation and funding bodies to carry out the work we have been tasked to do.
------
Committed to transparency in the way we work, including ethical practice and being honest and trustworthy.
------
Mindful of all cultural protocols, legislative requirements and guiding principles and practices for the work we do.
------
Committed to the organisational governance and overseeing its strategic operations and staff following through with day-to-day service delivery.
Slide
SOUND GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Promotes the most effective use of our resources, both human and material, to achieve our purpose
----
Provide long-term sustainability by fulfilling all service expectations and reporting requirements for members and for funding bodies
----
Consists of skilled and experienced Management Committee Members, utilising their professional and personal expertise in sustaining the organisation, now and into the future
----
Offers up a strategic plan with a vision and purpose, values and objectives and strategies for service delivery
----
Warringu’s management systems are clearly defined, documented, monitored and communicated regularly, including financial management, assets and risk
----
Ensures solid management processes regarding human and material resources.
----
Ensuring all financial dealings are properly recorded and reported, in accordance with legislative requirements.
----
Develop a reputation as the preeminent organisation in the sector with a history reliably delivering our services
----
Develop sustainable business model – Grant and other revenue sources
Slide
QUALITY SERVICE DELIVERY
Operate an evidence-based framework of practice providing effective service delivery across multiple programs including the ability to adapt and adopt a First Nations workforce
----
Services are tailored to the individual needs of women and children, in a culturally appropriate way
----
To enhance long-term positive outcomes for the residents, we partner with other organisations; this enables our residents to obtain the best assistance from those with the most expertise
----
Excellence in service delivery is reliant on a suitably skilled workforce, with the head, heart and hands to carry out their work with professional integrity
----
Upskilling of workers, and sound recruitment processes will promote continuous improvement in service delivery
----
Warringu has effective information management systems that maintain appropriate controls of privacy and confidentiality for residents
----
Warringu’s physical and cultural environment is conducive to putting residents at ease and promotes excellence in communication
----
Resident feedback is sought regularly and is used to improve service delivery.
Slide
SAFETY, WELLBEING AND RIGHTS
Processes regarding access are fair, transparent and non-discriminatory
----
Uphold the legal and human rights of residents and workers, including their safety and wellbeing, participation and choice, regardless of cultural background, ethnicity, physical and mental health status, levels of ability / disability, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status
----
Warringu will be proactive in identifying anything which may jeopardise the safety of residents and workers; policies regarding work health and safety must be upheld and constantly reviewed
Warringu will provide consistent, appropriate responses and will report any potential or actual harm
----
The physical environment of the shelter premises will be maintained to a satisfactory level, eg., providing safe areas for children
----
Warringu understands that an aesthetically pleasing environment is also conducive to healing
----
Warringu will provide effective feedback, complaints and appeals model – Grant and other revenue sources
Slide
COMMITMENT TO CLIENT OUTCOMES
Engage with and understand the needs of our community and provide the right service at the right time
----
Our focus will be on enhanced safety and protection from harm for users of our service
Competent use of web-based information exchange systems as required
----
Development of, and implementation of tools which track outcomes for service users of the shelter, with better outcomes for service users as a result
----
Warringu will commit to active participation at local and regional forums which help to develop a shared understanding of improved quality of life and social and familial connectedness for users of our service.
----
Influence systemic change by lobbying for a First Nations DFV Peak Body to build a network to inform Government Policy
Slide
Truth Telling – Innovation – Improvement – constantly seeking better ways of doing things
Promote, enhance and assist what we are doing well
Model a pathway to restoration and healing
Strong, capable and resilient workforce
DONATIONS
Warringu has provided shelter and safety to women and children escaping violence for over 35 years in Cairns. We have women and children coming from all over Australia but mostly from Cairns, local and regional surrounds including the Cape and Torres Strait. Warringu ensures essential requirements for those seeking support are met upon arrival at the Shelter and throughout their stay.
Warringu was founded by local Traditional Owners who opened their own homes to provide shelter and safety to vulnerable women. Over time Warringu was able to attract government funding and support to establish a Shelter. Staff continue to provide a professional service that operates all year round, seven days a week.
Warringu extends a special thank you to our supporters. Your donations are genuinely appreciated.
