Our Work

The Dhadjowa Foundation delivers grassroots support to families through four key areas, each of which is family-led and founded in self-determination.

Peer Support

We provide mentoring and support, provided by families and community members who have also lost a family member to Black deaths in custody, as well as other culturally safe support services. We are a meeting place for families, where they can be linked into other community organisations, individual supports and services.

Financial Support 

Dhadjowa Foundation provides financial assistance for funeral support, Sorry Business, time off work and assistance with travel & accommodation during court proceedings and inquests. This is tailored to the unique needs of each family and aims to reduce the emotional and financial burden of these processes. 

Family Campaigning Capacity Building 

The Foundation also offers families support with their own campaigning efforts including; campaigning, fundraising, advocacy, campaign strategy, connection with other campaigners & advocates, media training and event coordination. 

Systems Advocacy

We actively campaign for policy change and advocate for justice at both a local and national level, aiming to address the systemic issues contributing to Black deaths in custody. 

This includes connecting families, campaigners and advocates together, to foster partnerships and alliances to strengthen the collective impact of advocacy efforts and to create a network of support and collaboration to lead national campaigns for justice and accountability.

This comprehensive approach ensures that the Dhadjowa Foundation not only advocates at a systemic level but also actively supports and amplifies the voices of affected families, creating a united front in the pursuit of justice and accountability.

 

OUR IMPACT

Since establishment we have provided wrap-around support to over 90 families, working with over 800 individual family members.

We have provided thousands of hours of tailored and practical support, including:

  • Advocacy and referrals with a range of services including legal, corrections, health and more. 

  • Family campaign support, including campaign strategy, communications strategy (media releases, social media templates, graphic design) & fundraising support (setting up Go Fund Me pages etc.) 

  • Financial support for Sorry Business and transport and accommodation to attend inquests and court proceedings. 

  • Family wellbeing & peer support, including daily check-ins during significant times such as Sorry Business and coronial inquests. 

  • Recaps of coronial inquests, averaging 140 hours per inquest, ensuring vital transparency and influence on coronial outcomes.  

  • Hosting events (including vigils and rallies). 

  • Mealtrains, vouchers & other practical support