Queensland Government
Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Award: Uncle Wally Saunders - Woorabinda Community

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Award recognises an innovative and exceptional project or activity that has contributed to the prevention of domestic and family violence and enhanced the safety of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities.

Winner: Uncle Wally Saunders - Woorabinda Community.

For: Djina (Footprints) Spiritual Healing Program.

In 2006, Uncle Wally developed a spiritual healing program for young people in high schools to address significant levels of youth offending in the Woorabinda community.

Uncle Wally believes teaching traditions, culture and spirituality can reduce anger and violence. He also believes that self-respect and pride deter people from resorting to violence as a way to solve their problems.

The goals of the program are to:

  • increase the spiritual awareness of Indigenous people
  • teach young people and adults to respect and value traditional way of life
  • encourage youth and adults to become aware of one's sense of belonging and spiritual connection through country
  • decrease the number of young people and adults who appear in court
  • increase the number of children and adolescents attending school.

Concerned about violence and alcohol misuse in his community, Uncle Wally extended his spiritual healing program to adults. The success of the program is evident in the lifestyle changes of those who complete the course. Uncle Wally's drive and commitment to achieve better lives for people in his community through spiritual healing is also a key factor in the success of the program.