Cultural Statement of Standards

At Mullah Mara Together, culture is not an addition to practice; it is the foundation of practice. We recognise that connection to culture, Country, community, family and kin is essential to the wellbeing, identity, belonging and lifelong outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, families and communities.

We are committed to delivering services that are culturally safe, trauma-informed, healing-centred, and grounded in the principles of self-determination, respect and partnership. Our Cultural Statement of Standards guides all aspects of our work and reflects our commitment to upholding the rights, voices and cultural identities of the people we walk alongside.

We recognise culture as a protective factor and a source of strength, resilience and healing. We are committed to ensuring cultural identity, cultural rights and cultural connection remain central to all decision-making, planning and service delivery.

We recognise the right of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to make decisions about matters affecting their lives, families and communities. We actively support self-determination by valuing lived experience, elevating First Nations voices and working in genuine partnership with children, families, Elders and communities.

We acknowledge that family extends beyond immediate relatives and includes broader kinship systems, community relationships and cultural networks. We are committed to strengthening and maintaining connections to family, kin, community and significant relationships wherever possible.

We recognise the deep spiritual, cultural and emotional connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to Country. We are committed to supporting opportunities for children, families and communities to strengthen and maintain these connections through culturally responsive practice.

We acknowledge the wisdom, leadership and cultural authority of Elders and cultural knowledge holders. We value their guidance and recognise their important role in supporting cultural identity, community connection and decision-making.

We believe children and young people have the right to be heard, respected and actively involved in decisions affecting their lives. We work alongside families and communities to ensure children remain connected to their identity, culture and support networks.

We recognise the ongoing impacts of colonisation, dispossession, racism and intergenerational trauma. Our practice is grounded in compassion, cultural safety and healing, supporting strengths, resilience and recovery rather than deficit-based approaches.

We are committed to creating environments free from racism, discrimination, bias and cultural harm. We actively reflect on our practice, seek feedback and hold ourselves accountable for maintaining culturally safe services and relationships.

We believe positive outcomes are strengthened through respectful collaboration with children, families, carers, communities, Elders, organisations and professional partners. We are committed to building strong partnerships that support culturally informed decision-making and sustainable outcomes.

Cultural responsiveness is an ongoing journey. We commit to continuous learning, reflective practice and meaningful engagement with First Nations communities to ensure our services remain culturally grounded, relevant and responsive.

At Mullah Mara Together, we believe every child has the right to know who they are, where they come from and where they belong. Through culturally safe, healing-centred and community-led practice, we are committed to strengthening connections to culture, Country, community and kin while supporting children, families and communities to thrive.

Kinship is everything. Culture is strength. Connection is healing.