Work to establish a peak advocacy body for South Australian Aboriginal children and families is moving ahead, with CEO recruitment underway for the newly-named organisation.
The South Australian Government has invested $3.2 million into the new body.
The Steering Committee guiding the peak’s establishment has decided on the name Wakwakurna Kanyini meaning ‘holding on to our children’.
The Government says the name has been chosen to reflect the peak’s aim of caring for and nurturing children.
Wakwakurna is the Kaurna word for children, while Kanyini is a Pitjantjatjara word with a complex meaning that loosely translates to interconnectedness, nurture and support for family, country and community.
Wakwakurna Kanyini will be an independent community voice that will provide leadership on the representation of community-led priorities to the State Government focused on improving outcomes for Aboriginal children and families and on building the capacity of the Aboriginal community-controlled sector to provide services to families in need.
“Our newly-formed peak body now has a name reflective of our aim, the culmination of decades of advocacy to strengthen the care, protection and rights of Aboriginal children,” said Wakwakurna Kanyini interim board member, Sandra Miller.
“We are looking forward to working closely with the appointed CEO to advance outcomes for Aboriginal children across South Australia and drive genuine reform in the child protection system.”
The body’s establishment is being guided by its steering committee, supported by national peak SNAICC – National Voice for Our Children.
“I am really grateful to the steering group for their work towards the establishment of this crucial peak for Aboriginal children and families and so pleased to hear that Wakwakurna Kanyini is now advertising for its inaugural CEO,” said Minister Katrine Hildyard.
“I look forward to walking together with Wakwakurna Kanyini to help ensure Aboriginal children and young people have the best opportunities to safely live their lives with family, loved, nurtured, supported to reach their potential and connected to culture, country and community.”
Wakawakurna Kanyini is currently advertising for its inaugural CEO.
The CEO will drive a transformative reform agenda, influencing legislation, policy and practice. They will work closely with stakeholders to establish the peak as the leading community voice for Aboriginal children and families in South Australia, the Government said in a statement.
For a position statement or to apply, visit the SNAICC website.
