Serco’s Aboriginal Support Model and the Tactical Elders Program at Acacia Prison
Published: 30 Jun 2025
The Serco team at Acacia Prison, is dedicated to supporting Aboriginal prisoners in Western Australia (WA) by ensuring their cultural safety while in custody. This commitment is exemplified through Serco’s Aboriginal Support Model and the Tactical Elders Program, which provide culturally significant support and guidance within Acacia Prison and has been recently expanded to support other prisons in WA.
John Harrison, Superintendent at Acacia Prison, said Serco's Aboriginal Support Model leverages community links to navigate culturally significant events, co-design programs and support the management of incidents.
“This model focuses on the cultural safety of both staff and prisoners and has been developed with the guidance and support of Elders and the community,” said Mr Harrison.
“The Tactical Elders Program, facilitated by respected WA Elders with experience working within prisons, has been run at Acacia Prison since 2023. With substantial cultural influence and knowledge, and formal mental healthcare and trauma qualifications, the Tactical Elders support prisoners and staff through programs that aim to embed a sense of cultural identity and connection for all Aboriginal prisoners.”
Serco’s team of Tactical Elders bring more than 100 years of collective experience, and the positive impact they are creating is getting noticed. Tactical Elder, Aunty Rosalie Kickett, has recently been recognised by the National Indigenous Australians Agency as one of the three finalists for the 2025 NAIDOC Female Elder Award.
Brooke Dillon, Serco’s Indigenous Cultural Advisor at Acacia Prison and driver of the Aboriginal Support Model, said the model supports both prisoners and staff with cultural safety and healing.
“Our Elders are supported to work in Aboriginal ways and they work alongside the operational and rehabilitation staff and teach them best practice when working with Aboriginal people. When the men are connected to their communities, it instils a sense of pride and purpose,” said Ms Dillion.
Since 2023, more than 200 Aboriginal men at Acacia Prison have graduated from the 12 Step Corroboree program, which was designed by Aboriginal men at the prison in consultation with the Tactical Elders under Serco's Aboriginal Support Model.
“For most graduates, 12 Step Corroboree is the first program they have completed in custody, once they know they can get through our program, a lot of them will go on to complete programs that address their criminogenic needs,” said Ms Dillion.
As part of the ongoing collaboration between Elders, community, and prisoners, Serco has recently commenced a research partnership with Edith Cowan University, Aboriginal Males Health Centre Strong Spirit Strong Families Strong Culture Inc, University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, and Curtin, led by Dr. (Aunty) Jocelyn Jones to gather data to co-design culturally safe men's violence programs.
Nyoongar woman Dr. (Aunty) Jocelyn Jones is not only a part of the Tactical Elders Program but is also an Associate Professor from Maladjiny Research Centre, Kurongkurl Katitjin, Edith Cowan University, WA. Dr Jones’s project is designed, owned, and led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholars in partnership with Young Aboriginal men with lived experience in custody and in the community, Elders and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.
The aim of the project is to gather research to support the creation of services and programs addressing family, domestic and sexual violence among young Aboriginal men that will address their behaviours through trauma informed practice.
Dr Jones believes Serco’s partnership in this project is vital to ensuring the cultural safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal male prisoners.
“Serco’s commitment to creating a culturally safe environment is essential for rehabilitation and long-term reintegration into the community,” said Dr Jones.
“The model, endorsed by respected Elders, provides a strong cultural foundation for those in custody. Importantly, the work aligns with principles of self-determination, enabling Aboriginal people to have greater control over their lives and futures—an essential foundation for meaningful rehabilitation.”
Serco is proud to maintain and operate Acacia Prison for the Department of Justice of Western Australia. Implementing an Aboriginal Prisoner Strategy is an important requirement and aligns with the Department’s strategic direction.