GEGAC’s Wangun Lidj Aboriginal Children in Aboriginal Care (ACAC) program ensures the care and protection of Aboriginal children is led by Aboriginal people, in partnership with the community.
It allows for the transfer to GEGAC of responsibility and decision making for selected Aboriginal children on Child Protection orders.
ACAC is authorised under section 18 of the Children, Youth & Families Act.
Wangun Lidj reflects our deep commitment to ensuring Aboriginal children in care remain connected to their families, culture, and community.
This program is grounded in the strength of cultural connection, self-determination and community unity.
Like the boomerang, it represents the return of our children to their families, their culture, and their rightful place within community.
This program is led by our people, ensuring that our children grow up with a strong sense of belonging, identity, and safety.
In preparation for the legal transfer GEGAC will begin operating in an “as if” phase, where GEGAC will work with children and their families with Child Protection still in the background.
While Wangun Lidj involves statutory work like Child Protection, it is profoundly different in its approach and values.
The Wangun Lidj program prioritises cultural safety and community leadership at every step.
Developed from the ground up, it is tailored to reflect and respect Aboriginal culture, kinship systems, and community knowledge.
Wangun Lidj places the child at the centre, using culture as a protective foundation in decision making to ensure their safety, ensuring children remain connected to their identity, culture, and extended family as a priority.
For more information about Wangun Lidj, please reach out to one of our ACAC team members, below, or email wangunlidj@gegac.org.au
Kylie Bowman – Program Manager
kylie.bowman@gegac.org.au
0499 028 005
Eion May – Team Leader
eion.may@gegac.org.au
0456 635 245
Fran Sherlock – Practice Leader
fran.sherlock@gegac.org.au
0448 975 009