Oonah Belonging Place, previously Healesville Indigenous Community Services Association (HICSA), was established in December 2009
“To establish a welcoming and culturally affirming place in Healesville that provides a central point of contact for community members, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, for information, services and programs that are focused on building a healthy, strong and skilled community”
Oonah continues to honour the work of the founding members and the Board and staff work together to ensure sound and transparent governance, guidance, and quality delivery of services to Community. Oonah maintains a small but growing team who give generously of themselves to maintain a a range of program and the delivery of high quality services to Community needs. All programs, events and provision of services are underpinned by a deep commitment to Aboriginal culture and Community. From its earliest days, Oonah adopted a Reconciliation model of engagement. Our Reconciliation model reflects our commitment to Reconciliation, and the healing of relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people at both the local and regional level. We are committed to providing a mix of direct and partnership-based delivery which provides for increased access to the broadest range of services for Community. This is guided by the Oonah Board’s commitment to reducing barriers to service access, advocacy for change and maintaining a strong program of partnership activities, which enrich programs more appropriately delivered by Oonah under self-determination. Oonah works from a central tenet that culture is fundamental to everything. Where individuals are along their cultural connection journey, respect for culture is paramount when providing services and care planning. At Oonah, we strive to uphold a culturally respectful approach that includes and strengthens all peoples, traditions, stories and culture, now and for future generations.
