Wadamba Program Overview

The Wadamba Prison to Work Program provides a supported pathway to employment for Aboriginal men and women aged 18 to 35 who are on remand. The Wadamba Program operates at The Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, Metropolitan Remand Centre, Western Plains, Marngoneet and Ravenhall Correctional Centres. The Program provides access to employment services, career guidance and cultural support for participants in custody and post release. 

The Wadamba Program supports participants to become job ready by: 

  • developing an Employment Pathway Plan

  • facilitating access to employment services

  • providing career guidance

  • providing cultural mentoring support 

  • offering skill development and work experience.

Program Objectives

  • To connect participants to a culturally supported pathway to employment

  • To direct participants away from offending and into meaningful employment through early intervention.

  • Increase in the number of Aboriginal young adults engaged in employment.

  • Provide assistance to participants to overcome barriers to employment.

  • To support participants to access and undertake qualifications and meaningful work experience to better assist them in entering meaningful employment upon release.