Life Without Barriers and Winanga-Li partner to transition Aboriginal children living with non-Indigenous carers into Winanga-Li's care.
Image: A woman with long curly brown hair, wearing a colourful top, holds a young boy in her arms. Both are smiling at the camera.
Since 2023, Life Without Barriers has been working closely with Winanga-Li to transition Aboriginal children living with non-Indigenous carers into the care of Winanga-Li.
Winanga-Li, a small Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO), has been supporting families and community in Gunnedah for more than a decade, recently expanding their footprint to Tamworth. In 2021, Winanga-Li began delivering Permanency Support Programs (PSP), with a strong focus on connection to culture, community-led care, and meaningful transitions for children.
Life Without Barriers is committed to progressively transitioning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in our care back to community, culture, family and kin. This work is grounded in meaningful collaboration with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations like Winanga-Li, guided by a shared goal of improving outcomes for children in care.
"We work closely on the ground with ACCOs, guided by transparency, cultural integrity and genuine partnership," said Lucinda Porter, Acting Director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Practice and Partnerships.
"It’s not just about transferring services, it’s about building relationships that centre children, respect community leadership, and ensure care is culturally safe and consistent."
Image: From left to right: Madi Ellis, Permanency Support Program Manager, Winanga-Li, and Lucinda Porter, Acting Director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Practice and Partnerships.
The transition process is simple but deeply thoughtful. Local teams from both organisations visit carers together, take the time to answer questions, and provide reassurance that nothing changes overnight, relationships stay consistent, support continues, and the child remains at the centre.
It’s a process that is focused on building trust, not rushing change.
Once the transition is complete, Winanga-Li provides wraparound support: monthly visits from a caseworker, a carer support worker, and a cultural mentor who works closely with the children to build and maintain strong cultural identity.
Throughout the process carers have been open, with many curious to learn more, meet the Winanga-Li team, and understand how cultural mentoring can strengthen the experience for the child and the household. Two households have already made the move, with more in progress.
The children are happy, carers feel supported, and for Winanga-Li and Life Without Barriers, the collaboration has been smooth and rewarding.
"The transition process has been structured and effective. There’s clear communication, strong relationships, and a real commitment to working together," said Madi Ellis, Permanency Support Program Manager, Winanga-Li.
"It’s made things smoother for carers and better for the kids, and that’s what matters most."
This partnership is a powerful example of what can be achieved when we walk together with respect, transparency and shared purpose.
