Programs and Services
Keeping First Nations Children Connected.
Overarching Goal
Golalbi-gan is committed to addressing community and government priorities by ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children remain connected to family, culture and community.
Cultural Mentor Program
- Our Cultural Mentors support young people to increase their individual cultural needs and aspirations by providing individual, practical, and well-planned assistance focused on,
- Facilitating the young person’s positive connections to family, community, culture and country
- Facilitating the young person’s engagement with elders & community leaders
Golalbi-gan Cultural Mentors support young people to access culturally appropriate services.
Our Cultural Mentors will also provide both one-on-one positive role modelling and mentoring sessions and also undertake small group work.
These sessions can range from a minimum of one hour up to a full day of activities and can apply to any gender.
Cultural mentoring activities may include (but are not limited to) sharing knowledge and wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture through,
- Camping, connecting and yarning
- Connecting with the local community and increasing community connections and supports
- Day excursions or intown activities
- Activities that promote an understanding of traditional practices
- Increase understanding and respect for cultural heritage, country, family, community, elders and traditional owner groups
- Engage with young people's family and/or other significant persons
- Collaborate with other service providers to support young people to address the identified needs and achieve positive outcomes for each young person who participates in our program
Referrals can only be received from a Youth Justice representative. For more information visit our office located at 15 Patrick Street, Aitkenvale, Townsville or call 4454 1330 and ask for our CMP Cultural Mentors. You can also email the team directly via referrals@golalbi-gan.com.au
Cultural and Family Connection Program
Golalbi-gan Cultural and Family Connection Program provides individualised opportunities to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who aren't at risk of entering the Youth Justice system but are subject to Child Protection orders. Our program aims to supports young people's, connection to family, culture and community.
In a culturally safe space, our Cultural and Family Connection Program is specifically designed to enhance Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander young people's connections to kin, culture & community. With the support of family members, we provide group or one-on-one targeted support to increase children and young people's knowledge and understanding of their individual cultural and family connections over the duration of our program.
With a focus on intergenerational strengths, we work closely with young people's family members to,
- Reconnect young people back to family
- Increase cultural knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander way of life
- Increase individual cultural connections
- Source alternative placement options for young people with kin
- Increase community supports
- Individual family and cultural mapping
- Increase individual resilience and identity
Golalbi-gan Youth Camps
Golalbi-gan Youth Camps are facilitated every 3 months throughout the Queensland school holidays. Our youth camps provide First Nations youth with an opportunity to access new experiences and learn new skills. With a strong a focus on creating culturally safe spaces outside of the local community, our camps are an opportunity for youth to create new friendships and positive peer groups. Our camps increase their knowledge of local traditional owner groups, build and instil knowledge of culturally safe camping skills and create childhood memories.
Throughout our camps, young people will engage in swimming, camping, individual and team building activities. Our camps are held in partnership with local and regional traditional owner groups so that young people can increase their knowledge around the importance of cultural practices, traditional owner groups and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories.
Our youth camps are facilitated as separate All Boys and All Girls camps. Further information about our camps can be found on our events page.
- Children & young people 10-17 years old
- NDIS Participants
Extended Post Care Support Program
The Extended Post Care Support (EPCS) Program is a support service funded by the Department of Child Safety, Queensland to help young people transition successfully from out-of-home care into independent adult life. It recognises that turning 18 doesn’t automatically mean a young person is ready to manage all aspects of adult life on their own, and provides extra help up until their 21st birthday.
Key features of the EPCS Program include but are not limited to,
- Ongoing, practical support - EPCS services work with young people aged 18–21 to build the skills and confidence needed for independent living, including help with housing, education and training, employment, health and wellbeing, and developing life skills.
- Culturally-appropriate assistance- Support is tailored to individual goals and circumstances and can include maintaining connections with family, culture, Country and community.
- Financial support: Young people who leave care to live independently may be eligible for up to $16,000 per year to help with everyday living costs until they turn 21.
- Carer support continuation: If a young person chooses to remain living with their former carer or guardian after turning 18, the existing care allowance can continue to support them until they turn 21, with the EPCS service providing extra support as needed.
The EPCS Program is voluntary and available across Queensland. Young people are usually referred to a local provider by their Child Safety Officer as part of their transition planning.
Referrals can also be received from community to our service or by simply visiting our office located at 15 Patrick Street, Aitkenvale, Townsville or by calling 4454 1330 and asking for our EPCS Cultural Mentors. You can also email the team directly via epcs@golalbi-gan.com.au
Catchment Area
- Townsville
Guiding Resources
Golalbi-gan Cultural and Family Connection Service Model of Support
Other supports and services
Do you require other supports or services? Contact us directly on 4454 1330 or by completing the inquiry form at the bottom of the home page.