SWAN Hill Koori Court is seeking local elders and respected persons who want to make a difference.
Elders play a vital role in the Koori Court, reducing alienation, strengthening accountability and ensuring the process is culturally safe.
Aunty Stephanie Charles is proud of what she has achieved as an elder and wants others in the Indigenous community to feel that pride, too.
After 13 years in the role, she has joined the campaign to recruit more Koori Court elders and respected persons to Swan Hill.
“I decided to become an elder because I wanted give back to my community and help my mob,” Ms Charles said.
“Elders add so much to the court, but they also add to the wider community as well.”
Uncle Andrew Cameron began as a respected person with the Swan Hill Koori Court six years ago.
“Some people may feel that to be in such a role they need to be a good public speaker,” Mr Cameron said.
“But, when it comes to speaking your culture, the words come naturally and that is because you are speaking from the heart.
“I feel this is where the importance of our role is.
“People can feel the emotion through what we are saying and it creates a ripple that has a naturally strong cultural perception.”
Magistrates’ Court of Victoria head of Koori justice Rose Falla said the Koori Court could not operate without elders and respected persons.
“They are the crucial element in providing better outcomes for Koori people and they drive Koori self-determination,” Ms Falla said.
“They play a pivotal role in our communities with their knowledge, wisdom and encouragement.
“If you have those special qualities and want to make a difference in our communities, join our wonderful team.”
Koori Court is a culturally appropriate sentencing court for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander defendants who plead guilty.
The defendant, their family and lawyer sit at a specially designed oval table with an elder and respected person, a Koori Court officer, the magistrate, Victoria Police and corrections officers to address the underlying issues contributing to offending.
“The role of the elders and respected persons is critical to upholding their community cultural values and supporting their healing journey,” Koori Court manager Joanne Atkinson said.
“With the support of Koori Court officers, they ensure the process is culturally safe, helping to reconnect the defendant with their culture and ensure they have a voice in the process and justice system.”
Victorian Chief Magistrate Justice Lisa Hannan said that “by harnessing Koori community expertise” the Koori Courts could improve the legal process for all involved.
People interested in becoming an elder or respected person should contact Maydena Calvino at maydena.calvino@courts.vic.gov.au.
