The Balunu Foundation Ltd is a non- profit, Australian Public Company limited by guarantee incorporated under the Corporations Act 2001. Balunu is a public benevolent institution and registered charity, exempt from income tax and registered as a deductible gift recipient. The Balunu Foundation was created by David Cole, founder and Director and his wife Mim Cole to achieve their vision of helping indigenous youth at risk break the negative cycle that leads to indigenous disadvantage. The following provides an overview of the Balunu vision and the important role that the Foundation seeks to fulfil within the Indigenous community:
The name Balunu comes from the Luritja language of Central Australia. Balunu means creation and this is what we are about: the creation of strong youth, strong culture, strong leaders, for a strong future by breaking negative cycles and creating positive ones. Our youth can no longer wait! The time has come to nurture, to love and to offer spiritual healing to guide them on their journey toward harmony and balance.
The Balunu Foundation is a not for profit, charitable organisation focused on the healing of Indigenous youth and people and is based in Darwin, Northern Territory. In particular, Balunu seeks to instil a cultural identity among Indigenous youth at risk through a culturally appropriate healing program which builds self belief and self esteem whilst assisting Indigenous youth to overcome the wide range of challenges they face as young Indigenous people in today's society.
We currently operate a nine day healing camp and accommodate ten participants per camp program. Balunu is focused on addressing the social challenges faced by Indigenous people and youth through a holistic healing approach. Although the program is Indigenous specific the program has achieved great success with non Indigenous youth who have attended the program.
The loss of cultural identity, language barriers, war trauma, family breakdown and destruction of traditional ways have resulted in the many various forms of social suffering we face today. All this combined with the various forms of substance abuse has lead to the detriment of our physical, emotional and spiritual well being.
With all the health problems we face, Indigenous people are at extreme risk and none so greater than our youth and children. If we are to have a future we must act immediately to alleviate the distress and anguish of our youth, there must be greater action and less talk, our youth and our people can no longer wait.
Through a deliberate and purposeful program Balunu aims to provide hope for Indigenous youth and families by breaking the cycle of disadvantage through good health, education, life skills, opportunity, training, employment and most importantly healing. Identity plays the most crucial factor in strengthening the youth's sense of self and the healing allows for the individuals to free their pain enough to take advantage of opportunity that exists to move forward in the new world, whilst maintaining a strong connection to culture and identity. Our vision is to break the negative cycles which exist and create positive cycles of empowerment for Indigenous youth, people, families and the generations to come.
This journey is one of healing. United we must walk together to end the suffering and create a better future for all. There should be no guilt, shame or blame placed upon non Indigenous Australians for the past injustices that have lead to the suffering we face today.
We all own the now and it is our collective actions today which will determine our tomorrow. This journey belongs to us all and we welcome you to walk with us towards a better future for Indigenous Australians and all Australians alike.
The name Balunu comes from the Luritja language of Central Australia. Balunu means creation and this is what we are about: the creation of strong youth, strong culture, strong leaders, for a strong future by breaking negative cycles and creating positive ones. Our youth can no longer wait! The time has come to nurture, to love and to offer spiritual healing to guide them on their journey toward harmony and balance.
The Balunu Foundation is a not for profit, charitable organisation focused on the healing of Indigenous youth and people and is based in Darwin, Northern Territory. In particular, Balunu seeks to instil a cultural identity among Indigenous youth at risk through a culturally appropriate healing program which builds self belief and self esteem whilst assisting Indigenous youth to overcome the wide range of challenges they face as young Indigenous people in today's society.
We currently operate a nine day healing camp and accommodate ten participants per camp program. Balunu is focused on addressing the social challenges faced by Indigenous people and youth through a holistic healing approach. Although the program is Indigenous specific the program has achieved great success with non Indigenous youth who have attended the program.
The loss of cultural identity, language barriers, war trauma, family breakdown and destruction of traditional ways have resulted in the many various forms of social suffering we face today. All this combined with the various forms of substance abuse has lead to the detriment of our physical, emotional and spiritual well being.
With all the health problems we face, Indigenous people are at extreme risk and none so greater than our youth and children. If we are to have a future we must act immediately to alleviate the distress and anguish of our youth, there must be greater action and less talk, our youth and our people can no longer wait.
Through a deliberate and purposeful program Balunu aims to provide hope for Indigenous youth and families by breaking the cycle of disadvantage through good health, education, life skills, opportunity, training, employment and most importantly healing. Identity plays the most crucial factor in strengthening the youth's sense of self and the healing allows for the individuals to free their pain enough to take advantage of opportunity that exists to move forward in the new world, whilst maintaining a strong connection to culture and identity. Our vision is to break the negative cycles which exist and create positive cycles of empowerment for Indigenous youth, people, families and the generations to come.
This journey is one of healing. United we must walk together to end the suffering and create a better future for all. There should be no guilt, shame or blame placed upon non Indigenous Australians for the past injustices that have lead to the suffering we face today.
We all own the now and it is our collective actions today which will determine our tomorrow. This journey belongs to us all and we welcome you to walk with us towards a better future for Indigenous Australians and all Australians alike.