As a coalition of Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, philanthropists and pro bono service providers, working in partnership to enable Aboriginal organisations to access the resources and support to achieve self-determination, Woor-Dungin's vision is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their rich culture to be acknowledged, valued and embraced by Australian society.
Woor-Dungin offers Aboriginal partner organisations help on their own terms to establish strong, evidence-based programs, source philanthropic funds and pro bono support, and strengthen their governance and management skills.
Informed by its relationships with a broad range of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal stakeholders, the organisation works to tackle structural issues on a systemic level to reduce disadvantage.
Arnold Bloch Leibler has been involved with Woor-Dungin for nearly 15 years. In 2005, the firm provided a venue for 22 Aboriginal staff/board members from Aboriginal organisations across Victoria to undertake the Indigenous Capacity Building Program over 12 sessions.
“The assistance ABL provides is powerful. It gives people and organisations the strength and support to stand up and speak up by walking beside us knowing that ABL has our back! In other words, solidarity!”
The program resulted in the formation of Woor-Dungin and ABL has assisted in all aspects of the organisation’s work since that time, including developing employment contracts and policies, as well as helping it to achieve ACNC registration as a public benevolent institution.
We also provide ongoing advice on complying with the ACNC governance standards.
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“The length of time ABL has worked with community, the trust and strong networks it has developed and the high regard and reputation it has, is testament to their authenticity.
“Everyone at ABL, including reception and catering staff, has always provided the highest level of professional advice and support, which is always delivered in a friendly and non-judgemental way.
“A barrier to Aboriginal self-determination is that the agencies and people with the power don’t support advocacy - people and organisations who speak up, risk losing funding, being sued. Whistle blowers are often seen as troublemakers. When the whistle-blower is an Aboriginal person or organisation, most law firms run a mile! ABL shines a light on this power imbalance.
“The assistance ABL provides is powerful. It gives people and organisations the strength and support to stand up and speak up by walking beside us, knowing that ABL has our back! In other words, solidarity!”
Christa Momot
Inaugural Executive Officer, Woor-Dungin