The team from the Serco‑operated Adelaide Remand Centre (ARC) in South Australia recently supported Closign The Gap Day, standing alongside community on Kaurna Yerta.
Hosted by Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation Nunkuwarrin Yunti, the day highlighted the critical role Aboriginal‑led, culturally strong services play in addressing long‑standing health and social inequities. ⚖️
ARC Manager Offender Development, Catherine Ward, said feeling culturally respected and understood can significantly influence how people engage with support services.
“For the people in our care, building trust with staff and taking meaningful steps toward cultural wellbeing while in custody are important foundations that help support successful reintegration into the community,” she shared.
At ARC, cultural safety is embedded into everyday practice. The team works closely with Aboriginal Liaison Officers, community partners and service providers to ensure care is informed by culture, identity and lived experience. Supporting and engaging with Aboriginal‑led organisations strengthens pathways to health, wellbeing and reintegration, while reinforcing the principles of self‑determination and sustainable, culturally appropriate outcomes.
Participating in cultural events also provides valuable opportunities for staff to connect, learn and reflect. It deepens understanding of the Aboriginal‑led services available beyond custody and strengthens relationships that support continuity of care, including exploring future in‑reach opportunities for the men at ARC.
Gilly Karpany, Aboriginal Liaison Officer at ARC, said cultural connection and community relationships play a critical role for Aboriginal people in custody. 🫂
“Strong cultural and community connections give people a sense of identity, safety and belonging while in custody. These connections support trust, engagement and hope, and strengthen pathways back to community when people are ready.”
By standing alongside community and partnering with Aboriginal organisations, the ARC team is contributing to a justice environment that respects culture, values Aboriginal leadership and supports better outcomes both in custody and beyond.
Hosted by Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation Nunkuwarrin Yunti, the day highlighted the critical role Aboriginal‑led, culturally strong services play in addressing long‑standing health and social inequities. ⚖️
ARC Manager Offender Development, Catherine Ward, said feeling culturally respected and understood can significantly influence how people engage with support services.
“For the people in our care, building trust with staff and taking meaningful steps toward cultural wellbeing while in custody are important foundations that help support successful reintegration into the community,” she shared.
At ARC, cultural safety is embedded into everyday practice. The team works closely with Aboriginal Liaison Officers, community partners and service providers to ensure care is informed by culture, identity and lived experience. Supporting and engaging with Aboriginal‑led organisations strengthens pathways to health, wellbeing and reintegration, while reinforcing the principles of self‑determination and sustainable, culturally appropriate outcomes.
Participating in cultural events also provides valuable opportunities for staff to connect, learn and reflect. It deepens understanding of the Aboriginal‑led services available beyond custody and strengthens relationships that support continuity of care, including exploring future in‑reach opportunities for the men at ARC.
Gilly Karpany, Aboriginal Liaison Officer at ARC, said cultural connection and community relationships play a critical role for Aboriginal people in custody. 🫂
“Strong cultural and community connections give people a sense of identity, safety and belonging while in custody. These connections support trust, engagement and hope, and strengthen pathways back to community when people are ready.”
By standing alongside community and partnering with Aboriginal organisations, the ARC team is contributing to a justice environment that respects culture, values Aboriginal leadership and supports better outcomes both in custody and beyond.