Durrung Djeembana

Sacred Heart Mission recognises that we cannot achieve our vision of an inclusive and fair society without addressing the profound injustices experienced by the First Peoples of this land. We acknowledge that rates of homelessness, disadvantage and social exclusion are unacceptably higher in First Nations communities due to the ongoing impacts of colonisation. We are committed to challenging the oppressive systems and structures that continue to affect individual and community wellbeing.

As an organisation, we recognise our responsibility to actively nurture a culturally safe and inclusive environment for First Nations people to work, volunteer and access services.

Durrung Djeembana, meaning ‘heart gathering’ in Boonwurrung language, is the name of our working group that guides and supports our First Nations initiatives. Comprising staff from across Sacred Heart Mission, Durrung Djeembana brings together diverse expertise and experiences. We collaborate closely with First Nations organisations, including the Boonwurrung Land and Sea Council, Ngwala and Aboriginal Housing Victoria, continually strengthening relationships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.

Durrung Djeembana is just one example of our efforts to use Boonwurrung language at Sacred Heart Mission. Using Boonwurrung language is central to our approach. By doing so, we honour the Boonwurrung people and their culture. We are grateful to learn this ancient language together and to play a role in keeping it alive and flourishing. Our sincerest thanks to Senior Boonwurrung Custodian Caroline Martin and her community for permission to use their language for connection and education.

Caroline Briggs-Martin, a proud Boonwurrung and Wemba Wemba Woman, is a leading advocate for the recognition and amplification of First Nations voices while transforming systems for lasting change. With over 35 years of impact across arts, education, tourism and policy, she led Museum Victoria’s Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre for 12 years, where she advocated for and managed the development of the internationally acclaimed First Peoples exhibition – renowned for its pioneering community-led approach.

As Founder and Managing Director of Yalukit Marnang, she drives transformative Cultural Safety initiatives, reshaping institutions nationwide. Her leadership as Creative Director of YIRRAMBOI (2019, 2021) showcased over 350 First Nations creatives, elevating the festival as a defining force of cultural excellence.

Caroline’s unwavering commitment to advocacy and cultural understanding continues to challenge systems, reinforce First Nations leadership and shape Australia’s cultural landscape.

PhD Candidate, Griffith University – Transformative Cultural Safety: Unveiling Structural Oppression & Enabling Trauma-Informed Systemic Reform. Affiliate, Centre for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Monash University.

As part of our commitment to fostering culturally safe workplaces and services, we have been honoured to engage Caroline to facilitate her Understanding Connection to Country yarns with staff and volunteers across the organisation.

Through sharing her insights and lived experience, Caroline offers us the opportunity to reflect on what it truly means to feel culturally safe, and how we can respectfully honour First Nations peoples’ profound connection to land, culture, and community.

This is an early but significant step in our collective journey of deep listening, truth-telling, and continuous learning—one that supports our shared goal of building culturally safe spaces and communities throughout SHM.

Since 2012, Sacred Heart Mission has been deeply engaged in the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) process through Reconciliation Australia. Our RAPs provide a structured approach for meaningful change and progress towards justice and equity.

To ensure future success, we are developing a new framework in consultation with our community and First Nations stakeholders. This framework aims to embed principles of self-determination and enhance cultural safety across all facets of our organisation. Key components include:

Collaborative Development: Engaging with First Nations stakeholders to ensure the framework reflects their insights and priorities.

Cultural Safety Training: Implementing programs to educate staff and volunteers on Cultural Safety, First Nations histories, cultures and contemporary issues.

Policy and Practice Review: Assessing and revising organisational policies to remove barriers and promote inclusivity.

Monitoring and Evaluation: Establishing mechanisms to track progress and ensure accountability in our efforts.

This initiative builds upon our previous actions and aligns with our vision for an inclusive and fair society.

We continue to foster relationships with Traditional Owners where we work, based on collaboration, respect and self-determination. With a longstanding presence in the St Kilda area, we have deep connections with the local Traditional Owners, the Yalukit Wilam clan of the Boonwurrung. We respectfully acknowledge N’Arweet Dr Carolyn Briggs AM as the Senior Yalukit Wilam Elder and leader, and thank her for her ongoing guidance and support.