Thursday, 5 October 2023

Ministers statements: Dardi Munwurro

Enver ERDOGAN (Northern Metropolitan – Minister for Corrections, Minister for Youth Justice, Minister for Victim Support) (12:13): I rise today to share details of another excellent corrections initiative that is focused on addressing Aboriginal over-representation in our criminal justice system. I recently had the pleasure of visiting Dardi Munwurro along with the member for Preston in the other place. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the organisation’s director Alan Thorpe as well as Uncle Col Clark and Uncle Bootsie Thorpe for introducing me to the staff and showing me around their facilities. It was wonderful to see not only their offices but also Aunty Alma Thorpe’s Gathering Place next door and the new youth hub just down High Street, Preston.

Dardi Munwurro’s behavioural change programs for men in custody, with the corrections and youth justice systems, play an important role in keeping the community safe and reducing the risk of reoffending. Alan talked about the importance of having tailor-made spaces that young men could not only visit but more importantly enjoy. It was great to see firsthand the mural funded by Creative Victoria and hear about the partnerships that Dardi Munwurro have formed with local businesses to support their clients to learn new skills. Dardi is supporting hundreds of First Nations Victorian men wanting to make a positive change in their lives for themselves, for their families and for their community.

Our government’s investment in important organisations like Dardi and the programs and projects they run is making a real difference to people’s lives. This is just another example of our government leading the way when it comes to partnering with Aboriginal organisations to drive real change.