Naa Marni Niipurna

Hello Friends

Our understanding of relationships is inspired and informed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People’s knowledge and practice that sees all things as interrelated.

Kaurna

Kaurna Land spans from Crystal Brook in the north. Cape Jervois in the south, the Adelaide hills in the east and waters in the west. Kaurna land borders Nukunu, Ngarrindjeri, Peramangk, Narungga and Ngadjuri. The term ‘Kaurna’ likely finds 
it’s roots from the neighbouring Ramindjeri/Ngarrindjeri language, showing the closeness between Aboriginal lands.

We acknowledge the Traditional Lands of the Kaurna People and we respect and support their Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual and Emotional relationship with their Country.

We acknowledge the Traditional Lands
of the Kaurna People
and we respect and support their
Spiritual, Physical,
Intellectual and Emotional
relationship with their Country.

Our understanding of relationships is inspired and informed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People’s knowledge and practice that sees all things as interrelated.

PERAMANGK

Peramangk country extends from the foothills above the Adelaide Plains, north from Mount Barker through Harrogate, Gumeracha, Mount Pleasant, and Springton to the Angaston and Gawler districts in the Barossa, and south to Strathalbyn and Myponga on 
the Fleurieu Peninsula. There are also sites along the River Murray to the east where Peramangk people had access to the river. “Peramangk” is a combination of words ‘Pera’ – place on the tiered range of mount lofty and ‘Maingker’ – red ochre skin warrior.

We acknowledge the Traditional Lands of the Peramangk People
and we respect and support their Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual and Emotional relationship with their Country.

We acknowledge the Traditional Lands
of the Peramangk People
and we respect and support their
Spiritual, Physical,
Intellectual and Emotional
relationship with their Country.

Our understanding of relationships is inspired and informed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People’s knowledge and practice that sees all things as interrelated.

Erawirung

Erawirung refers to the Yirawirung and Jirawirung people whose lands are located on the upper reaches of the Murray River in the Berri Riverland. The Riverland also refers to areas surrounding such as: Ngaiawang, Ngawait, Nganguruku, Ngintait, Ngaralte, Ngarkat and small parts of Maraura and Daanggali.

We acknowledge the Traditional Lands of the Erawirung People and we respect and support their Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual and Emotional relationship with their Country.

We acknowledge the Traditional Lands
of the Erawirung People
and we respect and support their
Spiritual, Physical,
Intellectual and Emotional
relationship with their Country.

Our understanding of relationships is inspired and informed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People’s knowledge and practice that sees all things as interrelated.

BOANDIK

Boandik country is located in the Mount Gambier region. “Boandik” or “Bunganditji” means ‘People of the Reeds’.

We acknowledge the Traditional Lands of the Boandik People and we respect and support their Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual and Emotional relationship with their Country.

We acknowledge the Traditional Lands
of the Boandik People
and we respect and support their
Spiritual, Physical,
Intellectual and Emotional
relationship with their Country.

Our understanding of relationships is inspired and informed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People’s knowledge and practice that sees all things as interrelated.

kurdnatta

Kurdnatta country is located in the Port Augusta region. This area also includes the lands of the Barngarla and Nukunu people. “Kurdnatta” means ‘Place of Drifting Sand’.

We acknowledge the Traditional Lands of the Kurdnatta People and we respect and support their Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual and Emotional relationship with their Country.

We acknowledge the Traditional Lands
of the Kurdnatta People
and we respect and support their
Spiritual, Physical,
Intellectual and Emotional
relationship with their Country.

Next
Next

We come together as RASA, a not-for-profit organisation that exists on the lands of Kaurna . Tarntanya . Kuntu . Yartapuulti . Warraparinga . Para Wirra . Peramangk . Erawirung . Boandik . Kurdnatta .

RASA recognises the world’s oldest continuous living culture. For more than 65,000 years the original custodians welcomed all people to their Lands. They taught us responsibility, reciprocity and connections to these lands, knowing we are all visitors to these places that we live, work, and enjoy.

We acknowledge the importance of knowing these countries, to recognise the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their Elders, their communities, their stories. When we learn about Country we recognise the care for the lands, skies, waters, plants, and animals that has always been a part of Aboriginal cultures.

We come together as RASA,
a not-for-profit organisation that
exists on the lands of
Kaurna . Tarntanya . Kuntu .
Yartapuulti . Warraparinga .
Para Wirra . Peramangk . Erawirung .
Boandik . Kurdnatta .

RASA recognises the world’s oldest
continuous living culture. For more
than 65,000 years the original
custodians welcomed all people to
their Lands. They taught us
responsibility, reciprocity and
connections to these lands,
knowing we are all visitors to these
places that we live, work, and enjoy.

We acknowledge the importance of
knowing these countries, to recognise
the Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people, their Elders,
their communities, their stories.
When we learn about Country we
recognise the care for the lands,
skies, waters, plants, and animals
that has always been a part of
Aboriginal cultures.

We are conscious of our privilege to be here, doing the work that we do.
We understand that this privilege comes from the ongoing violation of these
lands which continues to harm Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's

relationships, health, wellbeing and aspirations.

RASA embraces the opportunity to learn from the knowledge and wisdom of First Nations peoples. The knowledge and wisdom we absorb inspires us to work restoratively,
with open-mindedness and holistically, to foster meaningful change in future lives.

We believe that walking in harmony depends on our ability as an organisation to listen, appreciate, collaborate, learn, and speak up.

We are conscious of our privilege to
be here, doing the work that we do.
We understand that this privilege
comes from the ongoing violation
of these lands which continues to
harm Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people's relationships,
health, wellbeing and aspirations.

RASA embraces the opportunity to
learn from the knowledge and
wisdom of First Nations peoples.
The knowledge and wisdom we
absorb inspires us to work
restoratively, with open-mindedness
and holistically, to foster meaningful
change in future lives.

We believe that walking in harmony
depends on our ability as an
organisation to listen, appreciate,
collaborate, learn, and speak up.

This is, was and always will be, Aboriginal land, water and songlines.

This is, was and always will be,
Aboriginal land, water and songlines.

New pink leaf growth bursting through a charred bark tree trunk after a bushfire.

Restorative Practice puts
the focus on responsibility, resolution and repair.

Restorative Practice offers an approach that brings together individuals, families, social networks and services, to proactively resolve difficulties and repair harm to build and maintain healthy relationships.

People are happier, more engaged and more likely to make positive changes when we do things with them, rather than to them or for them.

Our approach highlights that change is possible and supports people to build and sustain healthy relationships with respect, care and dignity. Restorative Practice informs our way of working with clients, colleagues and external service partners.

Shared responsibility enables generous reciprocity.

Our relational approach to repairing, healing and transforming relationships encompasses the past, present and future – learning from the past, acknowledging the present and understanding that our actions can affect others and ourselves into the future. We recognise that healing is forward facing, with the intention to resolve difficulties in relationships, rather than focusing on the past and who is to blame. Prioritising  repair and change can shift the dynamic and unblock where things may be stuck. Our restorative approach helps individuals, families, teams and communities by giving them the tools and skills to find a way forward and make sustainable change.

Supporting fair and safe relationships.

When working with people we are mindful of the power dynamics that operate in all our relationships. We focus on accountability and support change through enabling those impacted by harm to have a voice, ensuring safe participation of all, and understanding the opportunities for repair. We explain and clarify expectations, establish explicit norms and create clear agreements. We put the problem at the centre and seek to create a system of support for positive change for everyone involved.

We work with people when situations challenge or even harm their wellbeing and relationships. We assist both those affected and those accountable, empowering them with the skills to mend and rejuvenate their wellbeing and if possible, their relationships. Our commitment to a restorative approach is rooted in the conviction that interrupting harm is the foundation for repair and restoration.

A happy mother and father hold their young daughter, while the mother kisses her on the cheek.

Relationships are living things that require continuous work to grow and evolve or be repaired and restored.

Restorative Practice is a modern concept for an ancient way of being.

Our Restorative Practice approach is inspired by Yara and can be seen as a western interpretation based on listening, learning, healing and renewal. It is founded on an understanding that growth and change comes from challenge and that newness involves endings and beginnings.

Our Restorative Practice approach is inspired by Yara and can be seen as a western interpretation based on listening, learning, healing and renewal. 

It is founded on an understanding that growth and change comes from challenge and that newness involves endings and beginnings.

Our Relational Approach to Repair

Processes
are Fair

Fair process supports inclusion
and acknowledgement of power dynamics, while recognising difference and diversity.
 

Emotions
are Expressed

Emotional intelligence enables honest relationships that can explore the emotional impact of conflict and harm, and helps find ways through difficulties.

Responsibility
is Shared

Shared responsibility grows
from individual and group accountability and enables a generous reciprocity.

Families
are Strong

We support families to become strong by putting children at the centre and assisting families to develop their own sustainable solutions.

Restorative Relationships
are Central

The key principles and building blocks that underpin our restorative approach are centred around the principle that “restorative relationships are central”.

Communities
are Connected

Connected communities create trust, social capital and a sense of belonging.
 

Environment
is Cared For

Caring for the environment is a fundamental restorative relationship with the natural world.
 

Difference
is Valued

When difference is valued,
cultural diversity is respected
and celebrated, and privilege is challenged.

Our Relational Approach to Repair

The key principles and building blocks that underpin our restorative approach are centred around the principle that “restorative relationships are central”.

Processes
are Fair

Fair process supports inclusion and acknowledgement of power dynamics, while recognising difference and diversity.

Emotions
are Expressed

Emotional intelligence enables honest relationships that can explore the emotional impact of conflict and harm, and helps find ways through difficulties.

Responsibility
is Shared

Shared responsibility grows from individual and group accountability and enables a generous reciprocity.

Restorative Relationships
are Central

Families
are Strong

We support families to become strong by putting children at the centre and assisting families to develop their own sustainable solutions.

Communities
are Connected

Connected communities create trust, social capital and a sense of belonging.

Environment
is Cared For

Caring for the environment is a fundamental restorative relationship with the natural world.

Difference
is Valued

When difference is valued, cultural diversity is respected and celebrated, and privilege is challenged.

Challenging ourselves and our behaviours.

Our process assists people to transform relationships through repairing harm. We understand that behaviour change comes from challenge as well as support.
We believe that relationships can repair when harmful behaviours are interrupted and support for change is made available.

This can only occur when we all challenge ourselves and our behaviour, express honest emotions, listen deeply, respect different perspectives, and learn from each other.

We know that sometimes we need to be out of a relationship to enable repair and transformation.

Building respectful relationships.

We work proactively to foster respect and build a sense of accountability in community, and as a result reduce the frequency and severity of conflict and harmful behaviours.

By identifying shared values, finding common purpose and acknowledging different strengths and contributions we can achieve better outcomes. It is about creating the conditions for things to go well, as much as providing a way to get back on the right track when things go wrong.

Family Violence

Family violence affects approximately two-thirds of the families who engage with our services.
Mother holding upset child.

Family Violence

We understand that family violence affects approximately two-thirds of the families who engage with our services.
Mother holding upset child.

For those reaching out for support safety is a critical issue. Our priority is to help people to take the necessary steps toward establishing safety for themselves and their children. This may involve legal avenues to ensure their protection, or relationship separation as a circuit-breaker to protect against further violence occurring. Whether someone is contemplating leaving, wondering how to maintain safe contact in negotiating parenting issues post-separation, or choosing to remain in the relationship, we offer assistance and support.  

Family violence rarely exists in isolation. It often coexists with a range of other challenges including mental health issues, previous trauma experienced by parents (such as family violence, child sexual abuse or neglect), and alcohol or substance misuse. Recovery is a multi-layered process, and our goal is to help individuals reconnect with their sense of value, worth, and dignity.

Taking steps to behave safely in relationships and facing up to the effects violence has on Individuals and their relationships with people close to them requires real courage. Seeking help is an essential first step to address how the use of violence pushes people away and prevents people from being the person they want to be. 

It’s important to acknowledge that domestic violence also affects same-sex and gender-diverse relationships. We strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels empowered to seek help. For members of LGBTQIA+ communities, experiences of homophobia and transphobia may pose additional barriers to reaching out for help, serving to perpetuate the violence. 

Our restorative approach to addressing family violence prioritises creating a safe space where people can embark on the journey to recovery and healing. We believe individuals who perpetrate violence have the capacity to change. Separate support for those who use violence to acknowledge both the effects their violence has on their partner and children and the fear it causes is a vital component of our restorative process.  

Relationships Australia SA provides a range of specialist services to support people impacted by family violence, including Family and Relationship Counselling, Specialised Family Violence Service, Safe + Well Kids, and Reset2Respect.

W

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T

H

We work collaboratively together with others to restore and repair relationships in high support and high challenge environments. We assist people to build their skills to participate in a positive way, find solutions and make their way forward.

Y

O

U

Building the capacity and skills to repair and restore relationships, empowers individuals, families and communities to make sustainable change and live better together.

Relationships can break but they can also heal and repair.

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CHANGE + EVOLVE

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