About Us
The Dhadjowa Foundation is a grassroots organisation established to provide strategic, coordinated, and culturally appropriate support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families whose loved ones have died in custody.
We are an independent, not-for-profit charity that receives no government funding and relies solely on donations, fundraising, and philanthropy. This financial independence allows us to remain true to our grassroots model and operate free from the constraints of government systems.
Dhadjowa was founded in 2020 by Apryl Day. Following the coronial inquest into her mother Tanya Day’s death, Apryl identified a critical gap in the availability of comprehensive, holistic, and culturally grounded support for grieving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.
OUR CORE VALUES & PRINCIPLES
Justice, Accountability, and Human Rights
We advocate for justice and accountability in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander deaths in custody, upholding human rights and addressing systemic issues to promote dignity, fairness and equity.
Community-Centred Empowerment
We prioritise a community-centred approach, empowering families to actively participate in their pursuit of justice by providing the necessary tools, resources, and support.
Compassion, Empathy, and Care
Our work is grounded in compassion and empathy. We walk alongside grieving families with care and respect, acknowledging their emotional toll and creating spaces that are warm, safe and understanding.
Transparency and Integrity
We operate with transparency and integrity, ensuring open communication and ethical conduct in all aspects of our work.
Advocacy for Systemic Change
We are dedicated to driving systemic change by challenging harmful laws, policies and practices while advocating for reforms that strengthen community safety and uphold First Nations rights.
Cultural Sensitivity and Collaboration
We respect and integrate diverse cultural protocols, collaborating with communities, campaigners and like-minded organisations to share knowledge, strengthen collective action and amplify impact.
OUR PEOPLE
Apryl Day (she/her)
Executive Director & Founder
Daughter of Aunty Tanya Day
Apryl Day is a Yorta Yorta, Wemba Wemba, and Barapa Barapa woman, a multi-hyphenate advocate and creative known for her leadership in justice reform and community-led change.
She led the successful campaign to decriminalise public drunkenness in Victoria, a historic win for Aboriginal communities. As the founder of the Dhadjowa Foundation, she continues to support families in their fight for justice, healing, and accountability.
Apryl’s creative work is an extension of her lived experience and advocacy, using storytelling to honour community and culture. Through film, writing, and other creative expressions, she blends art and activism to celebrate the healing, resistance, joy and strength of her people.
Apryl is a board member of the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, a 2026 Atlantic Fellow for Social Equity and is a member of the Warriors for the Aboriginal Resistance.
Samara Fernandez-Brown (she/her)
Stop Black Deaths in Custody Campaigner
Samara Fernandez is a proud Warlpiri woman whose family are from the remote Aboriginal communities of Yuendumu, Willowra, Nyirripi, and Lajamanu. After the heartbreaking death of her cousin Kumanjayi Walker in 2019, Samara, along with her family, community and volunteers led the “Justice for Walker” Campaign.
As a leader of the #JusticeForWalker campaign, she has tirelessly guided efforts through legal proceedings such as a six-week-long murder trial and an extensive coronial inquest spanning over 4 years. Samara hopes for justice and systemic change to end black deaths in custody. Not just for her family, but for ALL families.