There is an over-representation of Aboriginal people in the Australian justice system, making up 42% of the adult prison population in WA alone (Australian Bureau of Statistics). Zooming into Acacia Prison, a medium-security prison facility in the state, around 37% of inmates identify as Aboriginal (WA Government). To address this broad systemic issue, a multifaceted approach is needed.
Serco, a multinational organisation delivering public services to government customers around the world, is currently operating Acacia Prison. Aside from Acacia, Serco operates three other prisons in the Asia Pacific region: Clarence Correctional Centre (NSW), Adelaide Remand Centre (SA) and Auckland South Correctional Facility (NZ). Serco takes a progressive view on service delivery and seeks out innovations and best practices to improve the outcomes of those under its care.
“At Acacia, our work goes far beyond running a prison,” Deputy Superintendent Shaun Horseman and Indigenous Cultural Advisor Brooke Dillon told Third Sector. “For us, it’s about holding space for healing, dignity and cultural connection. We know that Aboriginal men make up the largest part of our population, and that systems built without their voices have caused deep harm. So, instead of adding another layer of control, we’re walking alongside the men, creating opportunities for culture to lead the way. The work we do is about shifting power — about ensuring Aboriginal knowledge, leadership and solutions sit at the centre of rehabilitation.”
At the 4th National Justice Forum, they will be presenting a case study on leading with culture via Aboriginal-led program design at Acacia Prison. Dive deep into their work through our Q&A session below.
How do you co-design programs with Aboriginal men to centre lived experience, trust and cultural authority?
Co-design is the heart of our cultural programs. That means sitting in a circle with the men, listening deeply and recognising that lived experience is not just valid — it’s the strongest foundation we have. Trust is built slowly, by showing up, following through and making space for Aboriginal voices to shape what’s needed. We go back to knowledge systems that have sustained communities for 65,000 years — ways of teaching, healing and restoring balance. Instead of programs imposed from above, what we’re creating together belongs to the men. We don’t just include the men in the co-design, but we engage with ACCOs, Elders, Healers and the men’s families to endorse the programs. It’s about the buy-in from the men, communities and system.
How do you embed Elders, cultural learning and on-Country practices to restore connection, dignity and wellbeing?
Our Elders are the keepers of knowledge and spirit. They guide us in everything we do — whether it’s through ceremony, storytelling or walking the grounds with the men. Culture is not a ‘program’ in our prison — it’s a living practice. Yarning circles, cultural mentoring, on-Country learning, language, strong Aboriginal role models, and family reunification remind the men of who they are and where they belong. That connection brings back dignity. It heals shame. It strengthens identity and opens the door to real wellbeing. For many of the men, it’s the first time in years — or ever — that they’ve felt that deep cultural grounding.
How do you redirect resources towards Aboriginal-led roles, services and post-release support to drive real outcomes?
Dedicating appropriate resources is perhaps the greatest challenge we face in the creation, development and implementation of initiatives within the cultural context. At Acacia Prison, we have been reflective in our practice, considering where we need to do better in bringing together the right resources and look to employ Aboriginal people in key roles to lead us in the right direction.
If we want different outcomes, we have to put resources in the right place. That means employing Aboriginal staff across all disciplines — health workers, educators and case managers — and ensuring cultural services are Aboriginal-led. It means having local Elders not just in the prison but walking alongside men into the community through care. By directing resources into Aboriginal hands, we’re creating continuity. The same voices that guide them inside are there to support them outside. That’s how we build belonging, and that’s how change lasts.
Is there anything you want to add or highlight? What should people look forward to in your session?
What we really want to highlight is that none of this is new. For over 60,000 years, Aboriginal people have known how to look after one another, heal and restore balance. Our role is simply to create space for that knowledge to rise again inside prison walls. In our session, you’ll hear stories — stories of men who found strength in their culture, discovered leadership within themselves and walked out ready to stand tall in the community (not broken). What people should look forward to is not a new system but a return to what has always worked.
Join the conversation on shifting power through true partnership, healing through culture and identity, and reinvesting in what works. Secure your spot for Justice Forum now.
Geraldine is currently the Content Producer for Third Sector, an Akolade channel. Throughout her career, she has written for various industries and international audiences. Her love for writing extends beyond the corporate world, as she also works as a volunteer writer at her local church. Aside from writing, she is also fond of joining fun runs and watching musicals.
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