Duwurruwurru: Doomadgee Justice Reinvestment Summit 2026

JUSTICE REINVESTMENT SUMMIT Doomadgee, Queensland 2026

Our Stories, Our Solutions, Our Future.

We acknowledge the Gangalidda and Waanyi Peoples, the Traditional Owners and Custodians of our Country. We pay our deepest respects to our Elders past and present, whose wisdom, strength and leadership continue to guide our families, our communities and our future.

For us, Country is not simply a place. It is who we are. Our identity, our Lore, our culture and our responsibilities are grounded in Country and strengthened through the knowledge that has been passed from one generation to the next for thousands of years.

Everything we do is guided by our culture. We believe that when our people lead, when our families are strong and when our culture is at the centre of decision-making, our communities are stronger. This is the foundation of Gunawuna Jungai and the way we work every day.

We honour the enduring connection of the Ganggalida, Garrawa and Waanyi Peoples to our lands, waters and skies, and we recognise the responsibility we all share to care for Country, uphold our cultural obligations and create a stronger future for the generations that follow.

We extend our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who visit or work on our Country, and we welcome everyone who walks alongside us with respect, humility and a genuine commitment to listening, learning and working together.

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GUNAWUNA JUNGAI - DUWURRUWURRU Justice Reinvestment Summit

CONTENTS Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 An overview of the Duwurruwurru Summit, bringing together community, services, government and partners to share the work, ideas and relationships shaping a stronger future for Doomadgee.

Beginning With Our History . . . . . . . . . . 6 Community leaders share the story of Doomadgee, grounding the Summit in the history, resilience and experiences that continue to shape the community today.

Community Governance In Action. . . . . 8 Athol Walden and Massimo Zaini share the story of Gunawuna Jungai, its role in community governance and why local leadership remains central to creating better outcomes for Doomadgee.

Conversation with the JRSC. . . . . . . . . . 11 Members of the Justice Reinvestment Steering Committee reflect on the priorities, challenges and opportunities shaping the community and the work underway to create local solutions.

Justice Reinvestment Work. . . . . . . . . . 14 • • • • • •

Doomadgee Data Project On-Country Working Camp Initiative Doomadgee Peacemaking Initiative Community Service Order Partnership Engagement through Sport Youth GJ Council

Building Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Close. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Participants. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

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DUWURRUWURRU IS A GANGALIDDA WORD FOR MESSAGE STICK A message stick carries purpose. It brings people together to create understanding and it carries responsibility from one place to the next. It is not passive and it is not symbolic, it exists so people can gather, hear what matters and continue carrying that forward.

That is the spirit this summit was built on. Duwurruwurru was held in Doomadgee to bring people together around work that is already happening in our community and to create space to see, hear and understand what community leadership looks like when it is shaped and held by the people closest to it.

Across two days 90 people from Doomadgee community, QLD Justice Reinvestment communities, Peak organisations, service providers, government representatives and academic partners gathered on Gangalidda Country to engage directly with our work, reflect on where we are at, where we are heading and strengthen our shared commitment to the future we are building.

Convened through Gunawuna Jungai and carried through our community governance structures, Duwurruwurru reflects how our community works. Our priorities are shaped locally. Our leadership remains accountable to community. The people making decisions are the same people who live with the outcomes.

TerrEnce Taylor What was shared across the summit was not theory. It was work, work that is independent, responsive and grounded in the knowledge, strengths and aspirations of Doomadgee people.

Justice reinvestment sits within that broader way of working.

Across the summit, community members reflected on approaches already creating stronger

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Through community leadership, the Justice Reinvestment Steering Committee and ongoing engagement across Doomadgee, pathways have been built that respond to local realities and continue to evolve with community need. pathways for people and families through prevention, early action and responses that strengthen connection, belonging, responsibility and opportunity. The summit focused on the practical work of self-determination happening in community and the leadership continuing to shape it.

This report captures the work, reflections and leadership shared across Duwurruwurru and carries forward a message that has been clear for Doomadgee people for a long time, that our future is strongest when it is shaped by our people, guided by our strengths and led from our community.

GUNAWUNA JUNGAI - DUWURRUWURRU Justice Reinvestment Summit

THEMES FROM ACROSS DUWURRUWURRU Building a communityowned evidence base to guide planning, investment and decision-making.

Supporting young people through culture, leadership, education and pathways to positive futures.

YOUTH GJ

Strengthening community connection by bringing people together to de-escalate tensions before they escalate into further justice system involvement.

Peace-Keeping

Community Data Project

Community Prioirities Co-operation/ Partnerships

Investments History Governance

Stories Culture

Justice System

voice

THEMES FROM DUWURRUWURRU

trauma

Data Language

Country

Sport and Recreation

children Remoteness/ Isolation

Elders Family

Community Engagement

Jobs

OUTCOMES

Economic empowerment

Outstations Doomadgee UNITED Giving more community members an opportunity to connect, have fun, build a sense of connection and belonging and wellbeing and improve health and wellbeing through sport.

GJ WORK OUTSTATION REACTIVATION Supporting families to bring their outstations back into active use in ways that reflect their own aspirations.

COMMUNITY SECURITY Building a safe and connected community through local leadership and collective responsibility.

SERVICE MAPPING

ON-COUNTRY WORK CAMP Provides opportunities for people who have had an interaction with the justice system to build skills, confidence and purpose while contributing to the reactivation of family outstations

Bringing together investment data, community experience and local knowledge to identify gaps, align services and strengthen collective action.

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BEGINNING WITH OUR HISTORY Founding and previous CEO, Kieran Smith guided a conversation with Terrence Taylor, Guy Douglas, Athol Walden and Kylie Coulton, who shared the history of Doomadgee through their own family stories, lived experience and knowledge of community. They reflected on the journey that has shaped Doomadgee and why understanding that journey provides an important foundation for the conversations that followed.

For many people travelling into Doomadgee, this history is not immediately visible.

Doomadgee is a remote community with a history, geography and way of life that continue to shape how people experience opportunity, systems, relationships and change. The opening conversation recognised that without this understanding, it can be easy to arrive with assumptions, compare experiences with other places or interpret the community through a lens that does not reflect local history and realities.

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The speakers reflected on the impacts of government policies, mission life, the removal of children and the loss of language and cultural practices. Just as importantly, they spoke about the people who carried the community through those years. They remembered parents, Elders and families who adapted, supported one another and continued building a community despite the challenges they faced. From the early bark huts on the coast and then along the Nicholson River to the township that stands today, Doomadgee has been built by its people.

Our people built it. No matter where we go, we'll always be part of what we built.

Kieran Smith

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The conversation began with the history of families from tribal groups across the southern Gulf being forcibly removed from their traditional lands and brought together into one catholic mission influenced community.

Different languages, cultures and family groups were expected to build a shared life under circumstances they had not chosen. Over time, those families built Doomadgee together, creating new relationships, shared leadership and a collective responsibility for the future.

Athol Walden

Kylie Coulton

Guy Douglas

Terrence Taylor

GUNAWUNA JUNGAI - DUWURRUWURRU Justice Reinvestment Summit

Athol Walden

Throughout the conversation there was a clear message that history since colonisation should be understood, but it should not define the future. Understanding where Doomadgee has come from helps explain why the community leads the way it does today, why relationships matter and why the work shared throughout the Summit has grown from generations of resilience, leadership and people choosing to keep moving forward together.

The speakers also reflected on the responsibility now carried by today's leaders and young people. Every generation has contributed to building Doomadgee, and the next chapter will be shaped by those who continue that work for the generations to come.

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Our CommunitIES HAVE ALWAYS ADAPTED, ALWAYS FOUND A WAY AND ALWAYS MOVED FORWARD" Terrence Taylor

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Gunawuna Jungai isn't here to replace anyone. It's here to bring our people together so we can lead the things that matter to our community."

Athol Walden

COMMUNITY GOVERNANCE IN ACTION

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GUNAWUNA JUNGAI - DUWURRUWURRU Justice Reinvestment Summit

Gunawuna Jungai was not established to become another community organisation.

It was established to create a governance model that could bring the people of Doomadgee together to make decisions on matters affecting the whole community.

Athol Walden, Chair of GJ and Massimo Zaini, CEO began by sharing the story of Gunawuna Jungai, why it was formed, how it has grown and the role it now plays within Doomadgee.

Athol explained that governance in Doomadgee begins with culture. Long before there were modern organisations and institutions, the recognised family groups, Elders and Traditional Owners carried responsibility for guiding families, maintaining relationships and caring for Country.

Gunawuna Jungai was built around that existing authority, creating a structure that allows families to come together to make decisions on issues that affect the whole community.

Doomadgee is made up of a number of recognised family groups, each with its own history, cultural authority and responsibilities. The organisation's membership reflects this structure, with Representative Members from each recognised family group forming the foundation of Gunawuna Jungai's governance. From this Representative Membership, the Board of Directors is elected, creating a governance model that remains accountable to the families and community it represents.

Massimo spoke about how this governance structure has enabled Gunawuna Jungai to grow beyond a representative body into a platform for community leadership.

It provides a place where the community can identify priorities, coordinate action and work alongside government, service providers and other partners while ensuring decisions remain grounded in local knowledge, cultural and community authority and responsibility.

Justice Reinvestment was presented as one example of this approach. Rather than creating a new way of working, it builds on the governance and relationships already established through Gunawuna Jungai. The Justice Reinvestment Steering Committee sits within this broader governance structure, drawing on community leadership and local stories and knowledge to examine local evidence, understand the issues facing Doomadgee and guide practical responses that reflect the realities and real needs of the community.

This conversation set the grounding of the work presented at the summit following is connected through the same approach, starting with cultural authority, bringing families together through community governance and creating practical pathways for the community to lead its own priorities.

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This is our community. We have to stand up.

We're accountable for our children.

We're accountable for our families."

Athol Walden

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GUNAWUNA JUNGAI - DUWURRUWURRU Justice Reinvestment Summit

JUSTICE REINVESTMENT IN DOOMADGEE Kieran Smith hosted a conversation with members of the Justice Reinvestment Steering Committee, bringing together Francene Johnny, Preston Johnny, Allan George, Tony Chong and Barry Walden to reflect on the work of Justice Reinvestment in Doomadgee and the priorities that continue to shape its future.

The Justice Reinvestment Steering Committee was established after GJ successfully advocated for Doomadgee to become one of Queensland's Justice Reinvestment sites under the Commonwealth Government's National Attorney-Generals Justice Reinvestment Program. From the beginning, the work was guided by three clear priorities: 1. Strengthening community governance through Gunawuna Jungai so better, faster decisions could be made by the community 2. Building a clearer understanding of the justice system in Doomadgee including causes of contact with it, to identify where change was needed and advocate for practical reform 3. Creating opportunities for economic development including Outstation Reactivation, that lead to local employment.

Kieran Smith

Preston Johnny

Francene Johnny The Steering Committee continues to guide this work by bringing together community leaders to share what they are seeing across Doomadgee, identify emerging issues and help shape the community's response. As new issues emerge response actions evolve, so does the work.

Throughout the conversation,the panel spoke openly about the changes they are seeing across the community, the strengths they continue to build on and the responsibility of local leadership to keep listening, responding and working together.

Tony Chong

Barry Walden

GUNAWUNA JUNGAI - DUWURRUWURRU Justice Reinvestment Summit

Allan George

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JUSTICE REINVESTMENT IN DOOMADGEE The themes below reflect the key messages from the conversation.

Seeing Things Early

The panel spoke about the importance of recognising issues before they become justice issues. Rather than waiting for police or the courts to become involved, the discussion focused on the role of families, Elders, community leaders and local organisations in identifying concerns early and working together to support people before situations escalate.

Preston spoke about the peacemaking initiative that involves community leaders stepping in early to support families and help resolve issues before they enter the justice system. Tony also reflected on the importance of creating more opportunities for young people through education, mentoring and community-led learning, recognising that investing in young people early supports a stronger individual in the future.

Returning Home

Francene spoke about the realities of people returning home after time in custody. She described the challenges people face when bail, parole and restraining orders prevent them from returning to their family home, spending time with family or accessing Country.

In a remote community where housing options are limited and families are closely connected, these conditions can make it difficult (without breaching their conditions) for people to reconnect with the support around them as they get back on track. The discussion also touched on the challenges of mental health, with some people returning from long periods in custody feeling disconnected and unsure of where to go next.

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”

Our biggest goal is to prevent people from getting into the system in the first place."

Barry Walden

Creating Pathways to Employment

Employment was identified as one of the biggest challenges facing people returning from custody. Francene spoke about the barriers created by Blue Card requirements and having a criminal record, explaining that many people return home ready to work but are unable to access local employment because opportunities are so limited.

The discussion also broadened to the lack of employment opportunities across Doomadgee more generally, with Barry reflecting that creating local jobs was one of the key reasons Gunawuna Jungai sought Justice Reinvestment from the outset. Preston shared examples of local initiatives already underway, including On Country Working Camps and community sporting programs, as practical ways of creating opportunities for people to reconnect with work, build skills, confidence, a sense of belonging and contribute to the community.

GUNAWUNA JUNGAI - DUWURRUWURRU Justice Reinvestment Summit

Community Leading the Response The panel spoke about why Justice Reinvestment in Doomadgee must continue to be led by the community. Allan reflected that local people understand the relationships, histories and realities of Doomadgee in a way that cannot be replicated from outside the community.

Barry spoke about returning to cultural authority, drawing on the wisdom of Elders and using the structures that have guided the community for generations to respond to local issues. Tony spoke about the responsibility of the next generation to step forward alongside those Elders, sharing his own journey and his commitment to creating better opportunities for young people in Doomadgee. He also reflected on the importance of governments, services and partners backing the work already being led by the community, recognising that meaningful change comes when local leadership is supported, not replaced.

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People come home wanting to do the right thing, but they need someone to walk beside them."

Francene Johnny

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It's time for us to step into the spotlight. I'll carry the legacy that was taught to me.

Tony Chong GUNAWUNA JUNGAI - DUWURRUWURRU Justice Reinvestment Summit

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JUSTICE REINVESTMENT WORK UNDERWAY Gurrija Yufla Gamburija data project

Is strengthening data sovereignty in Doomadgee by building local skills and ensuring the community has accurate data about itself to inform priorities and greater ownership of its own information through the training of Community Researchers the project develops the knowledge and confidence to collect, understand and use data to guide local decision-making. Combined with community knowledge, this creates a stronger evidence base for advocacy, planning and effective investment, while ensuring Doomadgee has the power to tell its own story.

Outstation reactivation

This initiative is supporting families to bring their outstations back into active use in ways that reflect their own aspirations that are consistent with their Native Title rights and responsibilities for Country. Traditional Owner families identifying the desired future for their outstations, whether that is a place for families to gather, a base for caring for Country, cultural activities, future employment opportunities or community enterprise. Every outstation is different, and the direction of each one is led by the families connected to it.

On Country Works Program

Provides practical opportunities for people who have had an interaction with the justice system to build skills, confidence and purpose while contributing to the reactivation of family outstations. Through meaningful work on Country, mentoring and ongoing support, participants develop practical employment pathways while reconnecting with culture, Country and positive role models.

Doomadgee Peacekeeping Initiative

Provides a community-led approach to responding when issues arise before they escalate into further justice system involvement. Led through Gunawuna Jungai and working alongside Queensland Police, the initiative brings together the appropriate

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cultural leaders and families to help resolve or de-escalate conflict early, strengthen relationships and support practical solutions.

Built on trust, cultural authority and local leadership, Peacekeeping is becoming an important part of the way Doomadgee responds to a recurring dynamic.

Local Community Service Order Partnership

The Local Community Service Order Partnership with Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council creates a practical way for Community Service Order hours to be completed with meaningful work in Doomadgee. This program enables people to meet their obligations locally while contributing to meaningful work that benefits the community. It also provides an opportunity for people to remain connected, visible and accountable while building positive routines and pathways forward.

Sport and Recreation

Through the establishment of the Doomadgee United Sporting Club Inc, Gunawuna Jungai is creating opportunities for people of all ages to participate in sport and recreation. The initiative aims to build confidence, encourage healthy lifestyles and create positive role models, while making sport more accessible across the community.

Youth GJ Council

The Youth GJ Council ensures young people have a genuine voice in shaping the future of Doomadgee and is present in Justice Reinvestment conversations. Made up of local young leaders, the Council provides opportunities for young people to identify priorities for themselves, contribute ideas and help guide initiatives that affect their generation. Through leadership, mentoring and practical action, the Youth GJ Council is helping build the next generation of community leaders.

GUNAWUNA JUNGAI - DUWURRUWURRU Justice Reinvestment Summit

DATA SOVEREIGNTY Telling Our Story, Our Way

Professor Ray Lovett introduced Indigenous Data Sovereignty and why it is one of the most important foundations for community-led decision-making.

Ray explained that data is far more than numbers or statistics. Every survey, conversation, story and piece of information collected about a community contributes to the picture that governments, services and researchers use to make decisions.

For generations those decisions have largely been informed by data collected, interpreted and owned by others.

He challenged participants to think differently about data, not as something to fear, but as something that belongs to the community. Just as cultural knowledge is protected and passed from generation to generation, information about community should also remain under community control. Communities should decide what information is collected, how it is used, who has access to it and, most importantly, how the story is told.

Ray also explored how data has traditionally presented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through a deficit lens, measuring disadvantage while often overlooking history, context, strengths and the impacts of colonisation. He encouraged participants to question not only what data is collected, but who decides which questions are asked and whose perspective is reflected in the final story.

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Our Story, Our Way - Gurrija, Yufla Gamburija

Data tells a story. The question is: who gets to tell it?"

Professor Ray Lovett

The Doomadgee Community Data Project was presented as a practical example of Indigenous Data Sovereignty in action. Community researchers have been trained to collect information directly from households, with participants retaining ownership of their information and deciding how it can be used.

The project is designed to build a rich picture of community life across areas such as justice, education, employment, health, housing and wellbeing, creating an evidence base that belongs to Doomadgee and can guide local decision making.

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OUTSTATION REACTIVATION ON COUNTRY WORKS PROGRAM As part of the Outstation Reactivation initiative, Gunawuna Jungai has developed the On-Country Work Camp as a practical Justice Reinvestment response. The program brings together two important priorities for the community— creating pathways for people returning from the justice system while restoring family outstations that hold deep cultural and community significance and proves an additional and often more effective sentencing option for magistrates.

Terrence Taylor, Murray Walden and Zac Walden spoke about the first Work Camp pilot, reflecting on what they have learnt through delivering the program and the difference it is already making. Murray and Terrence explained that while participants spent the week completing practical work on Country, the camp is equally about building confidence, having an outlet for sharing thoughts, creating purpose and helping people see a future beyond the justice system.

Time on Country provides an opportunity to slow down, build trust and have honest conversations about life goals, employment and the next steps in life.

The conversation highlighted that the support does not finish when the camp ends. Participants continue to receive mentoring, assistance to find employment, support through the justice system where appropriate and encouragement as they continue rebuilding their lives. Rather than being a one-week program, the Work Camp is the beginning of an ongoing relationship built on trust, accountability and walking alongside people as they move forward.

The Work Camp also contributes to a much bigger vision for Doomadgee. As outstations are reactivated, they will

Murray Walden

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Terrence Taylor

create opportunities for land management, tourism, cultural activities and other communityled enterprises. The work being undertaken today is helping restore these important places while developing the skills, confidence and experience of the people who will one day help manage them.

For others, simply returning to Country, reconnecting with culture and contributing to something meaningful provides an important pathway back into community and strengthens wellbeing.

Zac shared his experience as one of the first participants in the pilot, speaking openly about returning from custody, finding confidence through the opportunity and wanting to continue building his own future. He also spoke about his hope of one day becoming a mentor himself, supporting others as they begin the same journey. His story reflected the broader vision of the program— not only supporting people to move forward, but creating future leaders who can continue strengthening their community.

Zac Walden

GUNAWUNA JUNGAI - DUWURRUWURRU Justice Reinvestment Summit

PEACEKEEPING INITIATIVE Athol Walden, Murray Walden and Terrence Taylor spoke about Gunawuna Jungai's Peacekeeping initiative and the role it is now playing across Doomadgee. The session shared how the initiative has grown from a local idea into a practical response that is helping families work through issues before they escalate into further justice system involvement.

Athol shared how the initiative developed through conversations between Gunawuna Jungai and Queensland Police, with both recognising there was an opportunity to respond differently when conflict arose in the community. Rather than waiting until situations between or within families became larger prolonged disputes, Peacekeeping provides a way for Gunawuna Jungai to become involved early, working alongside families, the appropriate cultural leaders and police to help people talk through issues and find a way forward.

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We go and we cut it in the middle before it goes too far."

Murray Walden

Murray and Terrence spoke about the importance of community leadership in this work. Through Gunawuna Jungai's family group structure, the right people are able to respond because they know the families involved, understand the relationships and consequences and have built trust over many years. They spoke about recognising when issues are beginning to build, bringing the right people together and helping resolve concerns while they are still manageable. The approach is grounded in local knowledge, cultural authority and relationships that already exist within the community.

The discussion also reinforced the partnership that has developed with Queensland Police.

The panel spoke about the confidence Police now have in contacting Gunawuna Jungai when issues arise and the value of working together, each bringing different knowledge and responsibilities.

The panel also shared how the initiative will grow through the establishment of a dedicated Women's Peacekeeping Group. Working alongside the existing team, the group will strengthen the support available to families, provide another point of connection for women and children, and continue building on the early intervention approach that is already making a difference across the community.

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It's a commitment between Council and Gunawuna Jungai moving forward, and that's really positive for our whole community."

Kelly Barclay

COMMUNITY SERVICE AS COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITY The JRSC identified the need for a local Community Service Order program as an early priority. Establishing a local program provides a practical way for people to complete their Community Service Order hours within the community, while remaining visible, accountable and contributing to meaningful work that supports local priorities.

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Barry Walden and Kelly Barclay announced a new partnership between Gunawuna Jungai and Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council to supervise Community Service Orders in Doomadgee and proves an additional and often more effective sentencing option for magistrates.

The collaboration will provide a local pathway for people completing community-based orders under Queensland Corrective Services while also opening new opportunities for training, employment, community participation and stronger partnerships across Doomadgee.

Barry spoke about the significance of the partnership, recognising the commitment shown by Council to work alongside Gunawuna Jungai and the importance of bringing organisations together around shared community priorities.

He reflected that every organisation has different strengths, and when those strengths are brought together, the community is better placed to create opportunities that support local people and strengthen Doomadgee.

GUNAWUNA JUNGAI - DUWURRUWURRU Justice Reinvestment Summit

WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP Kelly spoke about Community Service Orders as more than a sentence to complete. They are an opportunity for people to contribute to community, develop practical skills, build confidence and create pathways into employment.

Drawing on her own experience working in the justice space over many years, Kelly reflected on the number of conversations that had taken place about creating stronger community-based options for people coming through the justice system. The community knew what would work, but practical barriers often prevented those ideas from moving forward.

Hearing about the On-Country Work Program and the progress already being made through Gunawuna Jungai was something she found genuinely exciting. She described it as the kind of opportunity the community had been talking about for many years, bringing together culture, practical work, skills development and community leadership to create real opportunities for local people.

Kelly also spoke about the importance of building a broader network of organisations willing to contribute. She encouraged local businesses, government agencies and service providers to become Community Service Order hosts and to support community led work. Every organisation, she explained, has something different to offer. Through working together organisations can create more opportunities for local people while strengthening the services and support available across Doomadgee.

Barry closed the session by inviting Arlene from Ndgoori to share how her organisation would support the work already underway.

Arlene explained that Ndgoori sees its role as a capability partner, backing community-led initiatives with training, personal protective equipment, work readiness, mentoring and employment support. She also spoke about making training opportunities available to the wider community wherever possible, recognising that every new skill and qualification strengthens the opportunities being created across Doomadgee.

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Sharing knowledge of culture and Country gives us confidence and helps us get back into the right headspace."

Sheriece Owens

YOUTH GJ

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GUNAWUNA JUNGAI - DUWURRUWURRU Justice Reinvestment Summit

YOUTH GJ Monroe Johnny-Riley, Sheriece Owens and Francene Johnny shared the journey of the Youth GJ and the opportunities it is creating for young people in Doomadgee.

They spoke about the importance of having a place where young people feel heard, supported and encouraged to share their ideas. Through Youth GJ, young people are building confidence in their voice, developing leadership skills and identifying working together on the issues that matter most to them.

Monroe shared the priorities the group has identified together. They want to establish a community night school, build more opportunities for training, leadership development and work experience, and support young people who are struggling with their mental health or feeling disconnected.

They also spoke about creating stronger pathways into employment so that young people, particularly those no longer attending school, have opportunities to build skills, gain experience and explore different careers.

Sheriece spoke about the importance of reconnecting with culture and Country. Learning from Elders, spending time on Country and sharing cultural knowledge helps young people build confidence, strengthen their identity and find purpose.

Monroe spoke about fighting as one of the issues affecting young people in Doomadgee.

The group sees activities, night school, training and youth-led programs as a way to bring young people together, give them something positive to focus on and help stop the divisions that can grow between families, friendship groups and young people across community. Their hope is for young people to come together as one big family, supporting one another and building a stronger future.

Francene reflected on the privilege of walking alongside the young people as they find their voice. She spoke about hearing honest conversations around mental health, feeling lost and wanting more opportunities, but she also spoke with pride about the leadership already emerging through the group. Young people are stepping forward with ideas, looking out for one another and thinking about how they can contribute to their community.

The group also shared their desire to support community initiatives such as Doomadgee Lighthouse Kids (providing meals for kids in community), raise funds for local projects and create more opportunities for young people to volunteer, gain work experience and prepare for employment. They spoke about building a future where every young person has the opportunity to learn, contribute and see a place for themselves within their own community.

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ENGAGEMENT THROUGH SPORT Doomadgee United Sporting Club Inc

Preston Johnny, Dean Jupiter, Frank Banjo Snr, Frank Banjo Jr and Zac Walden spoke about the creation of the Doomadgee United Sporting Club and the role sport is playing in bringing people together across the community. What began as a rugby league team in 2025 has grown into an opportunity for something much bigger, creating opportunities for young people to reconnect with one another, spend their weekends in a positive environment and be part of something they are proud of.

Preston shared how the idea came about after recognising that one rugby league team could not meet the needs of the community and that many young people had little to do outside of school or work. The club was established to create another opportunity for people of all ages and family groups to come together through sport. He spoke about wanting young people to have something to look forward to, a reason to stay active and a place where they could build confidence, friendships and a sense of belonging.

Dean spoke about the role sport has always played in Doomadgee. He reflected on growing up with strong role models, learning respect through sport and seeing whole families come together around rugby league, athletics and rodeo. Through Doomadgee United, he sees an opportunity to rebuild that spirit, creating positive pathways for young people while supporting those returning from the justice system to reconnect with community. He spoke about the importance of giving people a chance, recognising that many are looking for an opportunity to move forward and simply need the right support around them.

The conversation also looked ahead to what the club can become. Alongside rugby league, the vision is to grow sport and recreation opportunities for all ages, creating more community events, stronger connections between families and more opportunities for young people to be active, develop leadership and build pride in their community. Through Justice Reinvestment, sport is becoming another way of strengthening community, creating positive role models and investing in the next generation.

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Watch the This football team shows that there DUSC Video are young people out there that want to play sports and express themselves."

Dean Jupiter

Preston Johnny

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Dean Jupiter

Frank Banjo Jr

Frank Banjo Snr

GUNAWUNA JUNGAI - DUWURRUWURRU Justice Reinvestment Summit

Zac Walden

BUILDING CONNECTIONS Terrence Taylor spoke with Jarick Evans from Elders for Change – Justice Our Way, Townsville to talk about the work he has been leading with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men in correctional centres and why staying connected to community is such an important part of helping people find their way home.

Jarick shared his own story and how it led him to this work. Drawing on his lived experience, he now facilitates cultural yarning circles with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men in custody.

The yarning circles create a place where men can speak openly about what they are carrying, reconnect with culture and think about the future they want for themselves and their families. The conversations cover family, grief, identity, accountability, mental health and the steps people want to take when they return home.

Jarick spoke about the men he works with each week and the goals they share. Many want to reconnect with their children, strengthen family relationships, leave conflict behind and make different choices for themselves. He also spoke about the importance of keeping communities connected with people while they are still in custody, so they are returning home to relationships that have already begun to rebuild rather than starting again from the beginning.

Terrence spoke about how much of Jarick's work resonated with what Gunawuna Jungai is building in Doomadgee. The conversation centred on the importance of lived experience, peer mentoring and community walking alongside people as they rebuild their lives. Terrence also spoke about maintaining stronger connections with people from Doomadgee while they are in custody and the role community can play in supporting that journey home.

Jarick invited Gunawuna Jungai, Elders and community leaders to become involved in the cultural yarning circles taking place inside correctional centres. He spoke about creating stronger links between Townsville and communities across the Gulf so that people leaving custody already know there are people waiting to support them when they come home.

The discussion was also an opportunity to share ideas between communities. While the work happening in Townsville and Doomadgee looks different, both are building on the same strengths—culture, lived experience, strong relationships and community leadership. It was a chance to learn from one another, strengthen connections and continue building pathways that support people both inside correctional centres and back home in community.

”

I see them as brothers, fathers, siblings, uncles.

They still have their role in the community."

Jarick Evans

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GUNAWUNA JUNGAI - DUWURRUWURRU Justice Reinvestment Summit

THE WORK HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN The Duwurruwurru Summit showed the strength that exists within Doomadgee and the work already underway to shape the community's future. Across two days, we heard stories of strength, shared practical solutions and celebrated the work already happening through community leadership, culture and partnership.

This work belongs to all of us. We have a long and winding road ahead, it will take families, young people, Elders, organisations, government and partners continuing to work together, listen to one another and back the solutions that are growing from within the community.

Thank you for walking this journey with us so far. We invite you to continue alongside us as this work grows, learning together, contributing where you can and supporting a future where Doomadgee continues to lead its own way forward.

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THANK YOU

to everyone who attended, listened, shared their experiences and insights to Duwurruwurru.

Michelle Cameron Chris McKay Ray Lovett B Evans Edwin Jacob Martin Evans Jack Day Daniel Cobbo Henry Boer Jan Cattoni Leigh-ann Onnis Llewelyn Saltner Janya McCalman Annalise Banjo Barry Walden

Act For Kids Australian National University - Mayi Kuwayu Australian National University - Mayi Kuwayu Bidunggu Community Bidunggu Community Bidunggu Community Cherbourg Community Cherbourg Community CQ University CQ University CQ University CQ University CQU Jawun - SPARK Project Doomadgee Community Doomadgee Community

Belvina George Darleen Gilbert Delphina Miles Elijah Douglas Frank Banjo Jr Henry Aplin Kara Smith Kelly George Kylie Coulton Leslie Gallagher Paula Booth Renae Walden Sharne Banjo Terrence Taylor Tina Roughsey Zac Walden Kelly Barclay Troy Fraser Guy Douglas Mel Wright

Tod Dodson

Francene Johnny Allan George Elijah Douglas

Doomadgee Community Doomadgee Community Doomadgee Community Doomadgee Community Doomadgee Community Doomadgee Community Doomadgee Community Doomadgee Community Doomadgee Community Doomadgee Community Doomadgee Community Doomadgee Community Doomadgee Community Doomadgee Community Doomadgee Community Doomadgee Community Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council Doomadgee State School First Nations Justice Office Department of Justice and Attorney general First Nations Justice Office Department of Justice and Attorney general Gunawuna Jungai JRSC Gunawuna Jungai JRSC Gunawuna Jungai JRSC

Preston Johnny Gunawuna Jungai JRSC Tony Chong Gunawuna Jungai JRSC Athol Walden SNR Gunawuna Jungai Atlanta Taylor Gunawuna Jungai Berkeley Cox Gunawuna Jungai Dean Jupiter Gunawuna Jungai Emma Shumack Gunawuna Jungai Frank Bango SNR Gunawuna Jungai Jeremiah Walden Gunawuna Jungai Kenneth Gilbert Gunawuna Jungai Kieran Smith Gunawuna Jungai Massimo Zaini Gunawuna Jungai Melissa Coleman Gunawuna Jungai Morgan Walden Gunawuna Jungai Murray Walden Gunawuna Jungai Monroe Johnny-Riley Youth GJ Cherise Wallace Youth GJ Edgar Wilson JKG - Mornington Island Kenneth Roughsey JKG - Mornington Island Lawerence Baker JKG - Mornington Island Melanie Ah Kit JKG - Mornington Island Stafford Chong JKG - Mornington Island Teisha Hookey JKG - Mornington Island Dawn Naranatjil JKG - Mornington Island Glenda Duffy Justice Our Way - Townsville Jarrick Evans Justice Our Way - Townsville Judy-Vera Sailor Justice Our Way - Townsville Caitlin Stewart Legal Aid Queensland Georgia Storm Legal Aid Queensland Zachariah Matysek MY Ways, Strong Ways Arlene Mckie Ngooderi Tiare Kelsall One Busines Elliejean Siingh QIFVLS Nardia Luff QIFVLS Phillip Jose QIFVLS Joel Matysek SNAICC Ken Riddiford Yellagundgimarra Health Council Sabrina Helfenstein Yellagundgimarra Hospital Sandra Bettles Yellagundgimarra Hospital Craig Logan 54 Reasons

Special thank you to: QLD LegalAid, QIFVLS, Yellagundgimara Hospital, Ngooderi and Gidgee for contributing to the community exchange.

Daisy

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Gunawuna jungai

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info@jungai.com.au www.jungai.com.au