Southern Tanami Kurdiji Indigenous Corporation (STKIC) works in partnership with CAYLUS and the Australian Childhood Foundation (ACF) to run community-based youth diversion programs. STKIC manages program delivery through Yapa mentors, CAYLUS supports with data, reporting, and activities, and ACF provides therapeutic training.
These programs support young people aged 10-17 in Yuendumu, Willowra, and Nyirrpi.
One Program, Two Streams
Young people have access to a shared range of activities across two streams:
Mampu Maninjaku ('looking after'): Focused on addressing the underlying causes of offending and keeping young people out of the justice system by keeping them connected to family, culture, and community. Referrals can be made by community organisations, community members, or through self-referral.
Pirrjirdi Maninjaku Kurlangu ('making you strong'): Also known as Sentenced to a Skill, this stream is an alternative to youth detention. It allows judges to sentence young people to participate in community-based programs focused on positive behaviour, skill-building, and re-engagement in education. Referrals primarily come directly from the Courts.
What the Programs Offer
Our youth diversion activities are designed to build skills, encourage healthy behaviours, and strengthen connections to culture and Country. Support includes:
Education and Work Pathways: Exploring traineeships, obtaining licences, and exploring alternative education pathways.
Cultural and Group Activities: Bush trips, cultural artefact making, and targeted girls' and boys' nights covering topics like nutrition, cyber-safety, and sexual health.
Life Skills and Court Support: Assisting young people with setting up bank accounts, accessing Centrelink benefits, attending health appointments, and meeting Court requirements.
Targeted Support: A youth behaviour change program for participants at a higher risk of offending.
Intake and Referrals Following a referral, staff conduct an intake assessment to understand the young person's strengths, interests, and goals to build a tailored case plan.
To make a referral or for more information, please contact Claire at
Claire.Lechleitner@stkic.com.au or 0447 852 929