TU KOTAHI: “We stand as one” - Prisoners reconnect with their heritage at Acacia Prison

In partnership with the Western Australian Government, Serco is proud to operate Acacia Prison and support the Department of Justice Corrective Service’s mission to foster rehabilitation, reduce reoffending and enhance community safety.  

In line with this commitment, Serco’s Reintegration team has worked alongside the Pākehā, Māori and Pacific Islander men at Acacia Prison to develop the Tu Kotahi Program. 

Tu Kotahi, means “we stand as one,” and is a culturally grounded, prisoner-led initiative to encourage Pacific Islander, Pākehā and Māori men to reconnect with their heritage, strengthen their identity and build the foundations for a better future.  

The Reintegration team at Acacia Prison works to identify and address the reintegration needs of prisoners early in their incarceration journey. They provide meaningful opportunities for the men to improve their wellbeing and reduce the risk of recidivism. The team provides financial and accommodation assistance, connection to throughcare services and family engagement.  

Following the introduction of an Aboriginal Support Model in 2023, Acacia’s team wanted to provide  a culturally responsive program for Māori and Pacific Islander men. 

On Waitangi Day, Acting Reintegration Services Manager and proud Samoan man, James Tomkins told the men to envision a future beyond incarceration, one rooted in pride, purpose and cultural strength. From that moment, the Tu Kotahi journey began. 

Working with the men, the Reintegration team co-designed a program that was immersive and deeply affirming. The team established the Tu Kotahi Kaiako Komiti including respected Māori leaders within Acacia and developed a governance framework to guide the program’s design and delivery. The committee received feedback from Perth-based Māori leaders to define the program’s cultural integrity and relevance. 

Tu Kotahi is a nine-week program of four modules: 

• Whanaungatanga (Relationships): Kinship, connection, and community. 

• Rangatiratanga (Leadership): Ownership, accountability and mentoring. 

• Manaakitanga (Respect): Respect for self, others, culture and environment. 

• Hauora (Health): Physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual wellbeing. 

Participants have reported improvements in identity, behaviour, communication and pro-social traits such as integrity and initiative.  

More importantly, they expressed a renewed commitment to rejoining their communities as stronger, culturally grounded men. The men are performing hakas at cultural events and speaking with pride about their traditions. 

The program is being conducted on lands of the Wadjuk Noongar people with the support of key personnel from local Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations. 

The team at Acacia hopes Tu Kotahi continues to reinforce the importance of culture in the men’s rehabilitation journey.