GEGAC’s Director Strategy and Compliance, Lisa Carter, Executive Director Culture, Joshua Tuiono, Executive Director Children Youth & Families, Noma Johnson, and Victorian Social Services Regulator Jonathan Kaplan at GEGAC last Friday. Photo: Jake Lynch/GEGAC
GEGAC was very pleased to host a visit from the Victorian Social Services Regulator last Friday, part of our ongoing effort to build new and beneficial relationships with state agencies and funders.
Social services refer to supports for some of the most vulnerable people in community, and include things like support for families, out-of-home care, family violence services, and homelessness prevention, many of which GEGAC is tasked with providing for our local Aboriginal community.
Social Services Regulator Jonathan Kaplan took a tour of the Krowathunkooloong Keeping Place, where Keeping Place Coordinator Robert Hudson guided him around the cultural artefacts and spoke with Jonathan about the history and culture of the GunaiKurnai peoples.
“We wanted to make sure Jonathan took a tour of the Keeping Place first and foremost, because we knew it would help him understand the importance of culture at GEGAC,” said Lisa Carter, GEGAC’s Director Strategy and Compliance.
“Culture is a safety indicator,” she said. “That means the presence and visibility and strength of GunaiKurnai culture at GEGAC is a clear sign that this is a culturally-safe space and that everything we do is informed by the cultural and spiritual needs of our community.”
The Social Services Regulator is a new position in Victoria, and replaces the Human Services Regulator.
Lisa said visits like these were a key part of GEGAC’s strategy to engage in regular dialogue with regulators and state agencies, so that the needs and ambitions of GEGAC are front of mind when decisions are made in Melbourne.
“These relationships are really important,” she said. “We want to be proactive in creating a good environment for GEGAC to do its best work, not reactive to outside forces over which we have no control.”
“Creating strong relationships with leaders like Jonathan helps make sure GEGAC is at the table and has a voice, and ultimately that means this community has a voice.”
GEGAC CEO Kenton Winsley said building strong, proactive relationships with regulatory bodies and state agencies is not just about compliance or meeting expectations; it’s about ensuring that our community’s unique needs and ambitions are understood and prioritised.
“By engaging in regular, meaningful dialogue, we can better advocate for our community, influence decision-making, and ensure that GEGAC is not simply reacting to external forces but actively shaping a future where GunaiKurnai cultural identity and rights are respected and upheld,” he said. “These relationships empower GEGAC and, most importantly, give a voice to our community in spaces where it matters most.”