Killara Foundation | Creating sustainable employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Naarm (Melbourne)

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Stability

About Our Organisation

Killara Foundation supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by providing pathways to employment, cultural connection and mentoring, and support in navigating the housing and labour markets.

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Our Services

Killara Foundation connects and empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander economies by mobilising knowledges and strengths that have historically been overlooked.

We exist to unlock economic pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by working in partnership with communities, corporations and families to support inclusive, purpose-led initiatives.

We achieve this through our strategic principles of Stability (through tailored and holistic supports), Skills (through training and employment) and Connection (by elevating Culture).

Training & Employment Intake Program

Assisting First Nations young peoples gain appropriate training and real employment within culturally-safe environments.

Community Outreach & Development

Engaging with and supporting Community with links to mentorship, housing, and relevant employment services.

Djilang Women's Hub

A Culturally-safe space for First Nations women located in Djilang/Geelong and Naarm's Western regions to gather, seek assistance and grow holistically.

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Ngarrgu Djerring Cafe

Our exciting new social enterprise venture, providing culturally-safe employment and training opportunities for First Nations young peoples.

Happy NAIDOC everyone!

The Killara team kicked off the week at the Fed Square Flag Raising Ceremony, coming together with Community and the general public to honour the strength, survival, and ongoing cultural legacy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

With 2025 marking 50 years of NAIDOC, it marks a significant milestone in honouring and elevating First Nations voices, Culture, and resilience. The 2025 theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy,” celebrates not only the achievements of the past but the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of young leaders, the vision of Communities, and the legacy of Ancestors.

It’s also a dynamic week for the @ngarrgu_djerring catering team, as they platform delicious native ingredients at NAIDOC events and functions throughout Naarm. Keep an eye out for what the team gets up to, and some of the exciting new foods on offer!

#naidoc #naidocweek #firstnations #indigenous #aboriginal #supportaboriginal #socialenterprise #employment #training #guidance #mentorship #community #culture

With only ONE week left until this EOFY, make a tax-deductible donation to a First Nations not-for-profit organisation and create genuine impact with your spare dollars!

For the final push of our own EOFY giving drive, we got the Killara team together to chat about who we are and the programs we deliver alongside Mob. From creating meaningful training and employment pathways, to holistic outreach support, culturally-safe spaces for Sistas to gather, and social enterprises platforming native foods, there are many ways your contribution can sustain our organisation into the future.

🖤 $50 can provide financial relief for women and their families in Djilang/Geelong to access essentials like food, prescription medication, and household items.

💛 $100 can support our community outreach work that provides an access point for Mob looking to reengage with mainstream services and tailored supports.

❤️ $250 can support the culturally-safe mentorship of a young person that enters the Ngarrgu Djerring Training and Employment Intake Program.

General donations of any amount contribute to the sustainability of our 5-year goals that support our organisation and broader programs.

Head to our website at killarafoundation.org to learn more about our mission and programs, and make a direct donation to our EOFY Giving Drive through the link in our bio!!

#EOFY #EOFY2025 #Donate #TaxDeductible #GiveBack #FirstNations #Indigenous #Grassroots #Support #EndOfFinancialYearGiving

The Killara team spent yesterday morning walking alongside Yoorrook Deputy Chair Commissioner Travis Lovett, Kerrupmara Gunditjmara, to mark a powerful journey and the culmination of the Walk For Truth!

The Walk for Truth marks a historic moment for Victoria’s first truth-telling process, a result of the Yoorrook Justice Commission’s four-year inquiry that has given evidence on the impacts of colonisation, including systemic injustice, as well as the strength, resistance and achievements of First Peoples.

This wasn’t just a walk, but a collective act of resistance, solidarity, and a genuine step forward on the road to Justice and Treaty for First Peoples in Victoria.

#ourplace #firstnations #indigenous #aboriginal #supportaboriginal #employment #housing #guidance #mentorship #community

Some great pics from a Reconciliation Week event hosted last week by @mooneevalleycitycouncil, with catering from the team at @ngarrgu_djerring, Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony by Uncle Perry Wandin, and beautiful performance from @gangadidj!

The Ngarrgu Djerring team has loved getting out to community gatherings held throughout the week, and looking forward to our next catering events coming up.

If you are looking for food options at your next staff meeting, function, or event, get in touch with us at info@killarafoundation.org

#ourplace #firstnations #indigenous #aboriginal #supportaboriginal #socialenterprise #employment #training #guidance #mentorship #community #culture

The Djilang Sistas Hub is a safe space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to gather, seek assistance and grow holistically in Djilang/Geelong and the western regions of Naarm/Melbourne.

Facilitated by program coordinator Kylie Skew, a proud Palawa and Wurundjeri woman, the Hub does amazing work every week to support women by removing barriers, building resilience and independence, and connecting to Culture.

Thanks to the generous support of the Give Where You Live Foundation Community Choice Voucher Program, we have been able to provide vital financial relief for Community. From July – December 2024, these vouchers have helped 29 First Nations women and their families access essentials like food, prescription medication, and household items, totalling $577.

As an organisation that is a proud partner in this program, we’ve seen first hand the impact this program has on people’s lives. The Community Choice Voucher Program not only provides immediate support but offers choice and dignity and supports a fairer community.

@givegeelong ❤️

#ourplace #firstnations #indigenous #aboriginal #supportaboriginal #employment #housing #guidance #mentorship #community

We are super proud of the young people that have just completed the first ever Ngarrgu Djerring Training and Employment Intake Program!

Over the last 6 weeks, the group have engaged in various Cultural experiences, as well as skill development, on-the-job training, and learning opportunities alongside industry partners.

Guided by our education partner @kanganinstitute, the young people were provided structured learning support throughout the program, and a strong foundation through dynamic sessions that equipped them with the skills and confidence to engage in practical work experience.

Further support included an interview skills session with Custom Fleet, safe food handling, introduction to hospitality, cooking and service workshops with Aus Venue Co., and work experience shifts at @ngarrgu_djerring. These activities led up to the amazing Keep The Fire Burning event x @yarrabotanica, which allowed the group to put their skills into action!

From guided walking tours of Gertrude Street and its historical significance for Aboriginal Community in Naarm, to possum skin etchings with Kylie Skew Cultural Connections, our intake program was focused on connecting to Culture, and engaging the group with ACCOs and culturally-safe services throughout the city.

A big thank you to everyone involved in making this an extremely valuable pilot program!

If you or someone you know is Mob aged 18-30 and interested in joining our second intake, fill out the EOI form via the link in our bio or scan the QR code via our website!

#ourplace #firstnations #indigenous #aboriginal #supportaboriginal #employment #training #guidance
#mentorship #community #culture

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Support Killara Foundation

Ways to Give

Small to larger scale investments in our organisation can help sustain vital training, mentoring, and day-to-day outreach services that ensure people can access the stability, skills, and connections needed to thrive in their lives.

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Ways to Engage

Engaging with Killara's programs and social enterprise is a practical step for organisations looking to create system change and address procurement targets that stimulate First Nations businesses, and the economic empowerment of First Nations communities.

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