Our Work
We are Djirra
Djirra is the Woiwurrung word for the reed used by Wurundjeri women for basket weaving.
Traditionally, when women gathered to weave, important talks took place and problems were solved. The word Djirra symbolises our connection with Aboriginal women today, coming together to share stories, support each other and find solutions.
Our Purpose
Djirra walks together with Aboriginal women on their individual journeys to safety and wellbeing. We find solutions by sharing our stories and supporting each other in our strength, resilience, and self-determination.
We do this by delivering holistic, self-determined, and culturally safe specialist family violence services and early intervention and prevention programs.
Djirra amplifies Aboriginal women’s voices and experiences. We advocate for change to end family violence.
Our Values
We see, we hear, we believe Aboriginal women
We find solutions through Aboriginal women sharing their stories, journeys and experiences
We are fearless in our work with Aboriginal women
Cultural integrity is at the core of everything we do
Self-determination is the foundation of everything we do
Our Work
Djirra is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation with over 20 years’ experience accompanying Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, and their children, on their individual journeys.
We find solutions through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women sharing their stories, journeys, and experiences. Djirra celebrates women’s strength and resilience.
We are committed to a future without family violence.
Djirra amplifies the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
We advocate for system-wide change to improve access to justice, eliminate systemic violence, and strengthen women’s resilience. We campaign to change racist attitudes, behaviours and actions. We stand firm with women in their decisions about their own lives.We deliver holistic, culturally safe, specialist family violence services and programs, including:
- Cultural, wellbeing and personal development workshops alongside practical support through our Koori Women’s Place
- Signature early intervention and prevention programs Sisters Day Out™, Young Luv™ and Dilly Bag
- Legal assistance with intervention orders, child protection, family law and victims of crime matters for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experiencing or at risk of family violence
- Support and case management services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and their children
- Workshops, support and legal assistance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in prison
Djirra is funded through a range of sources, including state and federal governments, philanthropists and donors, and fundraising.
We are an active member of First Nations Advocates Against Family Violence, the peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are experiencing or at risk of family violence.
Djirra offers services and supports to:
- People who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have experienced, or are at risk of experiencing, family violence
Self-determination is the foundation of everything we do. Our Board, leadership, and many of our key staff are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Our services have state-wide reach, touching every part of Victoria to meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Our services operate out of our Melbourne head office and a growing network of regional locations, aiming to be accessible for all.