Thursday 5th June 2008

MEDIA RELEASE
2008 Indigenous Community Award

Unity Foundation yesterday received public recognition for its work with Indigenous Youth at the 2008 Indigenous Community Justice Awards.    Unity Foundation was recognised by a selection panel, including the seven Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee Chairpersons, representatives of the Departments of Justice, Human Services and Victoria Police, as winner of the "Leadership Initiative" category for our Deadly Leaders Program.

The Indigenous Community Justice Awards were established in 2001 to highlight the commitment of the Koori community and that of Victorian government to working collectively to deliver programs under the Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement initiatives.  Through the awards, Victorian Indigenous organisations, local business, government departments/agencies or educational institutions delivering initiatives that positively affect youth, Elders, leadership, employment, enforcement, education or family violence prevention are recognised for their commitment to better outcomes for Indigenous people.

According to founder Allan Murray, "The Deadly Leaders Program has been a major undertaking and we are pleased to have witnessed some of the great outcomes for Indigenous Youth in the areas of self-belief, confidence and safe decision making." 

The Deadly Leaders Program enhances the skills necessary for successful living in today's society including Social, Decision Making and Vocation Skills. These essential life skills enable an individual to be successful in life by being able to recognise and describe one's feelings, giving and receiving feedback, recognising assumptions, setting realistic and attainable goals, and employing problem-solving strategies. 

The program is designed specifically to take into account the unique needs of Indigenous youth in need.

Mr. Murray also took the opportunity to acknowledge the work of Tjaegan Wilson who unexpectedly passed away on Sunday morning. "The success of this program was made possible through the dedication and commitment of many individuals including the late Tjaegan Wilson.  Each week Tjaegan collected participants from schools and employment programs through out the Dandenong region encouraging participant development through his extensive support, mentoring and positive role modeling".

Unity Foundation would like to dedicate this achievement to Tjaegan Wilson and his family.  Tjaegan was a proud Indigenous man, leader and great loss to the Indigenous Community who left this world prematurely.   Tjaegan's spirit and dedication will continue to inspire Unity Foundation's dedicated working with homeless and at risk Indigenous Youth.

Peter King, CEO                                                                           Allan Murray, Director
peterk@unityfoundation.org.au                                                 allanm@unityfoundation.org.au

Unity Foundation
PO Box 250
St.Kilda Vic 3182
Tel: 03 9593 6259
Fax: 03 9593 6267