New Partnership To Support Aboriginal Women in Custody on State's Mid North Coast

The in-reach model, based on the Justice Our Way program, will see local Aboriginal community-based health services deliver support to Aboriginal women at the Mid North Coast Correctional Centre.  

The Justice Our Way program was first implemented in 2014 by the South Coast Women’s Health and Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation (Waminda) to address a critical gap in support for Aboriginal women transitioning out of the justice system. 

For the past 10 years, the Justice Our Way program has been successfully delivered to women in Dillwynia and Silverwater Correctional Centres. 

As the only program of its kind in NSW, Justice Our Way takes a strengths-based and holistic approach to address the overrepresentation of Aboriginal women in the justice system to support a reduction in re-offending.  

Highly experienced staff support patients by offering case management, a comprehensive suite of health and wellbeing programs, and referrals to local services when patients transition out of custody. 

Quotes attributable to Justice Health NSW Chief Executive Wendy Hoey: 

“Justice Health NSW is deeply committed to improving health and wellbeing outcomes for Aboriginal patients across the state.” 

“Our partnership with Durri Aboriginal Corporation Medical Service will strengthen our ability to deliver culturally appropriate care to Aboriginal women in Mid North Coast Correctional Centre.” 

“By establishing culturally responsive in-reach services to people in custody, we are ensuring they receive assistance prior to transition and after they return to community, which can often be a challenging time.” 

Quotes attributable to Durri Aboriginal Corporation Medical Service Chief Executive Officer Paul Morris: 

"Our partnership with Justice Health and the Forensic Mental Health Network marks a critical step forward in delivering trauma-informed, culturally safe care to Aboriginal women in custody at the Mid North Coast Correctional Centre.” 

“Together, we are not only addressing health needs, we are restoring dignity, strengthening identity, and creating pathways to healing that recognise the deep cultural, emotional and spiritual resilience of our women."