Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation (DAC) is building new support pathways for Dambeemangaddee people in the Kimberley through D.A.N. – Dambimangari Aboriginal Navigation, a program focused on helping people navigate life’s challenges, build their capacity and connect with the right support, training and employment opportunities. 

D.A.N. works with people at different stages of life, supporting young people, adults and families to connect with services, build confidence and skills, strengthen wellbeing and find positive pathways forward. 

Supporting people to build their capacity is an important priority for Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation and is reflected in the Dambimangari Healthy Country Plan. Building strong people and strong communities is part of building a strong future for Country and culture. 

Recent youth camps hosted on Dambeemangaddee Country at Kimbolton are one example of the work D.A.N. is doing. 

The two camps, one for boys, one for girls, brought together young people, schools, community organisations and local services, with a focus on reconnecting young people who have become disengaged from school or other services. The camps provided safe spaces to talk openly, connect with culture, build positive relationships and discuss issues affecting their lives. 

Delivered in collaboration with Derby District High School, Clontarf and Shooting Stars, with support from World Vision’s Impact Club and local health, wellbeing, police and justice services, the boys’ camp brought together 16 young men, including five Dambeemangadee young people. The camp focused on culture, identity, positive role models, respectful relationships and making good choices, with support from DAC employees Steve Martin, D.A.N Coordinator, Aaron Cooper, Dambimangari Tour Guide, and Anthony Edgar, Community Support Officer. 

The girls’ camp brought together eleven Year 11 and 12 students, with eight completing the camp. Supported by Grace Matos from DAC, World Vision’s Impact Club and other local services, the girls had a safe space to talk about relationships, health and wellbeing and connect with trusted people and services. 

D.A.N. Assistant Coordinator Grace Matos said: 

“We want young people to know they have people around them who care about them and want to see them do well. These camps gave them a safe space to talk, have a laugh, learn about culture and relationships and just be themselves. For us, it’s about building that connection early so they know they can come back to us when they need support.” 

Kat Faithfull – World Vision’s Impact Club reflected on the week… 

“These camps provided an opportunity to take the important conversations and education around healthy relationships directly to young people, creating a safe and culturally meaningful environment where they could learn, ask questions and have open conversations. Delivering these sessions on Country created a space where young people felt comfortable to be vulnerable and share their own stories and experiences. Being away from the usual environments and surrounded by Country helped create a sense of openness, trust and connection. 

Dambimangari created a beautiful team environment, bringing people together and generously sharing culture, knowledge and stories.  

Young people are more likely to open up when they are in a space where they feel safe, comfortable and respected. These camps created exactly that space. They allowed us to have challenging but important conversations with the young women about relationships, respect, boundaries and what they can do if they ever find themselves in a situation where they feel unsafe. 

Our young people hold so much knowledge and life experience. They are strong, capable and true leaders within their communities. Creating opportunities for them to have their voices heard, ask questions and build their knowledge empowers them to make informed choices and support themselves and others.” 

Building strong people for the future 

For DAC, the youth camps are one part of the broader work being delivered through D.A.N. 

The program is about building people’s confidence and capacity, helping them make strong decisions, navigate challenges and connect with opportunities in education, training and employment. 

For young people, this can mean reconnecting with school, strengthening relationships and cultural connection and developing positive pathways into adulthood. 

For adults, D.A.N. can help people identify opportunities, access support, build skills and connect with training and employment. 

The program is built around relationships – creating a safe place where people can ask for help, talk through challenges and work towards their own goals. 

A community effort 

DAC said the success of the programs run through DAN came from the number of local organisations and people willing to work together.  

“We couldn’t have done the boys’ and girls’ camps without the incredible commitment and support from the local groups we work alongside. World Vision’s Impact Club, Derby Aboriginal Health Service, the social and emotional wellbeing team, Derby District High School, Clontarf, Shooting Stars and so many others all played an important part.” Steve Martin DAN Coordinator.  

Derby District High School helped identify and support students to participate, while Clontarf worked with the boys and Shooting Stars supported the girls. 

World Vision’s Impact Club provided important support on the ground, while local health and wellbeing services, police, justice and other government agencies also contributed. 

DAC said this type of collaboration is important in creating stronger pathways for Indigenous people across the Kimberley. 

The D.A.N. team will continue working with community partners to develop programs that respond to local needs, with the aim of expanding opportunities for cultural connection, wellbeing, education, training and employment. 

DAC is also looking to build on the early outcomes of D.A.N. through further government and community support and investment, so the program can continue growing its work  

The goal is simple: strong young people, strong families and strong communities. 

Steve Martin, DAN Coordinator said: 

“We want people to have the support and opportunities they need to make good decisions and find their own pathway. When we empower people and build their capacity, we build stronger families and stronger communities for the future.” 

D.A.N. – Dambimangari Aboriginal Navigation is about building capacity, creating pathways and making sure people know they are not on their own.