The Waltja Way
Waltja’s Directors are the foundation of how we work, how Waltja connects with community and how we evaluate our processes and programs and their impact. All our policies, programs, projects and activities follow the values and priorities of these senior women. Local Aboriginal ways of doing business are incorporated into Waltja’s values, processes and organisational structure which is known as the Waltja Way. The Waltja Way gives Waltja an overall approach which is unique.
The Waltja Way is recognised and appreciated by members, families and other organisations we work with.
Guiding Principles of The Waltja Way
Family is the foundation of Aboriginal community and identity.
Service delivery is most effective when it occurs in the context of family as understood by Aboriginal people.
Waltja promotes self-reliance and dignity.
Waltja works with everyone in the community.
Direct service delivery is most effective when provided by local people who have access to training and support to ensure quality outcomes.
Building and sustaining partnerships with Aboriginal communities is the most effective way of providing services to families.
Direct services need to be located in, and supported by, local communities.
Irene Nangala talks about the Waltja Way
“Waltja learns what is happening in the community from the Directors. Directors talk to Exec. Exec talks with workers. Waltja workers are invited by the Directors to come to the community. They stay; they meet the Directors and their families. They make friends. They become family.
“Waltja workers listen to all people in the community with the Directors, young and old, men and women. We work together Anangu* with Kardiya,* workers with Directors, Waltja with community. It gives Waltja a better understanding of what people need, and gives us a strong voice with communities and with government. We make family from far and near. That’s why we called it Waltja – family.”
* Anangu is Luritja for Aboriginal people and Kardiya is Luritja for Non-Aboriginal people.