September 17, 2026

5 min read

Key Points

  • Aboriginal women and children continue to experience disproportionately high rates of domestic and family violence and homelessness
  • Warlga Ngurra is an Aboriginal Community Controlled organisation providing culturally safe support across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens
  • Our services extend beyond crisis response, supporting families to build long-term stability and wellbeing
  • Community partnerships, including with local clubs, play a vital role in creating safer and stronger communities
  • Every family deserves access to culturally appropriate support, connection and hope

Every day, Aboriginal women, children and families across our region face challenges that many Australians never see.

Behind every statistic is a family seeking safety, stability and hope. At Warlga Ngurra Incorporated, our role is to walk alongside these families, providing culturally safe support that empowers them to build stronger futures.

Warlga Ngurra Incorporated is an Aboriginal Community Controlled specialist homelessness service supporting Aboriginal women, children and families across the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens Local Government Areas. Our work is built on trust, respect, cultural understanding and the belief that every family deserves the opportunity to thrive.

While many people recognise homelessness as someone sleeping rough, the reality is far more complex. Families may be living in overcrowded homes, moving between relatives, staying in temporary accommodation or fleeing unsafe situations due to domestic and family violence. For many Aboriginal women and children, homelessness is hidden and often goes unnoticed.

The statistics are confronting.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are significantly more likely to experience domestic and family violence than non-Indigenous women. Aboriginal Australians are also dramatically overrepresented in homelessness services, despite making up only a small proportion of Australia’s population. These figures reflect generations of disadvantage, intergenerational trauma and systemic barriers, not individual failure.

At Warlga Ngurra, we understand that meaningful support must look beyond the immediate crisis.

Our team provides holistic, culturally safe services that respond to the unique needs of every family. This includes specialist homelessness support, domestic and family violence assistance, parenting support, early intervention programs, advocacy, outreach, referrals, practical assistance and support navigating complex service systems.

Just as importantly, we work to strengthen cultural identity, community connection and resilience. We recognise that culture is a source of healing and strength, and that Aboriginal families achieve the best outcomes when services are delivered in ways that respect their lived experiences and self-determination.

Behind every statistic is a woman, a child and a family deserving safety, dignity and the opportunity to thrive.

Every success story is different.

Sometimes success means helping a mother and her children secure safe housing after escaping violence. Sometimes it means reconnecting a family with essential services, supporting a parent to build confidence through parenting programs or helping someone navigate financial hardship before it becomes a housing crisis. Often, it is the relationships we build, based on trust, consistency and respect, that create the greatest impact.

None of this happens in isolation.

Strong communities are built through collaboration, and local clubs have long been at the heart of community life. Whether through fundraising, sponsorship, volunteering, sharing information or connecting people with local services, clubs have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Aboriginal families.

Supporting organisations like Warlga Ngurra is an investment in stronger families, safer communities and better outcomes for future generations.

Our vision is simple: to ensure Aboriginal women, children and families have access to culturally safe support that empowers them to overcome hardship, strengthen their wellbeing and create lasting change.

Together, we can help build communities where every family feels safe, connected and supported, not just in times of crisis, but every day.

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