Working & Walking
Together
Partnerships with non-Indigenous organizations is important- they often bring their young people to us for support with cultural connection. Collaborating with them ensures young people have access to the resources they need.
- In Home Stretch WA, the principle of “working and walking together” emphasizes the collective support provided to young Aboriginal people transitioning from out-of home care, aligned with Aboriginal ways of working.
This approach requires agencies to collaborate closely, sharing responsibility and aligning their efforts to meet the holistic needs of each young person. By working together, agencies—alongside family, community, and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs)— can provide culturally responsive support that respects the young person’s identity, values, and aspirations. Walking together, rather than dictating a path, respects the
young person’s journey and choices, fostering empowerment and self-determination.
This united approach helps create a safety net where young people are surrounded by culturally safe, consistent, and supportive relationships. It also ensures that the services provided are not only cohesive but grounded in cultural knowledge, honoring Aboriginal ways of knowing, being, and doing. “Working and walking together” strengthens community connections and enables a culturally enriched, collaborative approach that uplifts young Aboriginal people, supporting them on their journey into adulthood with resilience and pride.
"The other thing too, we try to- we try our best to link up with other home stretch providers, especially Aboriginal providers. For example, we had one provider come down for a couple of days to spend some time with us. We went up to see Aunty at another provider up there in Perth and shared some ideas. We do our best to link up with other services, and we don’t want to be known as the service that doesn’t connect with anyone. So yeah, any opportunity we get to collaborate with other organisations or share ideas, we’ll definitely jump at that.
Collaboration is key. As a team, we work on cultural reflective practices together. For example, in one instance, a colleague brought in some of his mum’s artwork, including a baby’s face painted with cultural designs. I brought some of my son’s braids and artwork, and another colleague contributed dot-painted rocks. We placed these items in the center of a yarning circle, almost like a symbolic fire, as a focal point for our discussions. These reflective practices help us stay grounded and connected to the communities we serve."
Home Starch Acco Audio
Acknowledgement
The Home Stretch WA – Community of Practice would like to Acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we use. We would like to pay our respects to our Elders past, present and emerging. We are privileged to be a part of the longest living culture in the world.
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For any ideas, feedback or other comments on the website: homestretch@anglicarewa.org.au
