OUR STORY
Watnanda was established with strong family values. These values include; treat everyone with respect and dignity, to work hard, to value honesty, share knowledge, provide support and to have gratitude. Watnanda is guided by our ancestors and Elders to ensure there is social justice and fairness for future Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander generations to prosper and to be self-determining.
Judy McDonald and Catherine Coysh are Gunditjmara women, Judy is currently based in the Southwest of Victoria; living on Gunditjmara Country, and Catherine is based in the Northeast of Victoria; living on Dhudhuroa Country.
Judy began her small business as a sole trader in 2016 and then in 2019, Watnanda was reformed into a Company with Judy is the Managing Director and Catherine is the Corporate Director.
Watnanda works with service providers to deliver the opportunities for social justice and fairness embedded in their day-to-day best practice and leadership. This can be achieved through
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having service providers with a safe level of cultural competency
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establishing and maintaining relationships
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provide a culturally safe environment
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working together in an equal partnership
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sharing information, providing choices, and allowing people to make informed decisions.
Watnanda offers social research, facilitation, and evaluation services to achieve the goals and outcomes that are required by all service providers under the Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Framework.