AIDRWA is an Aboriginal community-controlled organisation, which is actively involved in the community to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and families who are:
- experiencing domestic and family violence,
- involved or at risk of entering the child protection system, and
- supporting Indigenous parents.
Our services promote domestic and family violence intervention, child protection support, safety, education, advocacy and self-determination in our community.
Our Vision
AIDRWA’s vision is to keep families safe and connected to their culture.
Our Mission
AIDRWA will achieve this by providing support services to Mount Isa and surrounding communities in our geographic service area.
AIDRWA services include accommodation support for domestic and family violence and educational support and have expanded to include support for families in/or at risk of entering the child protection system.
AIDRWA takes pride in providing high quality and culturally appropriate services.
Our Values
Compliance – we will maintain all funding compliance requirements, human services quality framework and any other relevant framework.
Governing Board – recruit and upskill the Governing Board to be able to oversee the organisation’s mission, strategic planning and fiscal integrity and to set high standards for the organisation.
Respecting and promoting diversity – we will promote an awareness of family diversities in modern Australia and advocate for social justice and safety for the LGBTQI community.
Services are client-centred and accessible for all – we are committed to tailoring our approach to meet the unique needs, preferences, and values of each individual, ensuring that all clients are treated with dignity and respect, and that our services are available to all.
Services collaboration – we will work with other service providers to provide an integrated response.
Staff development and wellness – we will provide the opportunities, where possible, for all staff to participate in training and ensure that staff are supported to avoid burnout and build resilience. Staff will be encouraged to participate in social connectedness activities.
Our Strategic Plan
Download our 2025–2030 Strategic Plan (PDF 125kb)
Our History
1977
In 1977, seven influential women with a mission to ensure women had a safe space to gather and be supported by other women devoted their time to create what has now evolved into AIDRWA. These dedicated women lobbied government for funding and were successful in their plight. Nawamba House, a shelter for women escaping domestic violence was born.
1985
Nawamba House became incorporated into AIDRWA as the organisation was growing.
2003
Indigenous Children and Parenting Program (ICaPP) was transferred over to AIDRWA.
2012
The Recognised Entity Service funding was transferred over to AIDRWA.
2017
AIDRWA participated in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Led Decision Making (ATSIFLDM) pilot program.
2018
Following the Child Protection reform the Recognised Entity transformed into the Family Participation Program – Strong Moura.
2022
AIDRWA were successful in tendering for the Intensive Family Support service – Malthaya-thu Ngawa.
2024
AIDRWA were successful in tendering for the Healing Program.
AIDRWA signed off on the Kinship Care Agreement – Adopt a Site.