KWAC was set up in 1979 as a Resource Centre to service 23 outstation communities, plus three town based reserves. With stream-lining of government programs the Corporation has in the past 5 years changed its focus to offering more social benefits, rather than municipal services.

Currently the Corporation is running various programs and promoting social change through these and other efforts:

Moongoong Sober Up Shelter is a program set up in response to the “Deaths in Custody” reforms. This program offers intoxicated people a safe place to sleep for the night. KWAC clients receive two light meals, the clients have access to showers, their clothes are laundered and they are given a bed to sleep in for the night.Currently the Shelter is also working in conjunction with the Ord Valley Aboriginal Health Services to offer a monthly morning clinic for clients before they head out for the day, as well they have access to counseling services. The Shelter staff also work in with other partners in the Community to offer the best services they can for their clients.  The Shelter is open from 4pm to 8am 5 days a week.  Please note, there are also spare clothes available to those that are in need, these are kindly donated by the local Kununurra Red Cross.

KWAC runs the Kununurra Miriwoong Community Patrol Service.  This is a Night Patrol service that picks up up intoxicated people, and also those at risk of being harmed, from around the Kununurra area.  These clients are taken home, to another safe location or to the shelter for the night. The Patrol has a wonderful crew who care for the welfare of their clients, and do everything in their power to support the needs of the Community. The Night Patrol runs nightly from 4pm to 11pm (these hours are subject to change without notice). This service can also support appropriate Community Events outside of our normal working hours with enough notice – please contact us to discuss.

OFAT (One Family at a Time) is an education program that provides case management support to families to address a range of barriers that impact on school attendance. The primary objective of the OFAT Program is to increase school attendance and improve educational outcomes for children and young people. It aims to put the family at the centre of the program, and develop a plan (the “Meeting me Halfway Agreement’) that is built around their specific needs.  We are seeing some great outcomes in this program, and hope to see further progress as time goes on.  If you are aware of someone who could benefit from this program – be it a family member, friend, client, or for any other reason, please contact us for further information and/or a confidential evaluation.

CAPS (Community Action Plan-Suicide Prevention) – To work alongside communities and individuals to heal the impact of trauma, and strengthen community capacity to prevent suicide.  CAPS also participates in the Statewide and National measures to reduce suicides in Aboriginal communities.
CAPS offers training in the form of hosting the Healing, Empowerment & Leadership Program (KEHLP) program and Aboriginal Mental Health First Aid workshops in partnership with Ord Valley Aboriginal Health Services and Kimberley Aboriginal Medical and Health Services.  Also by offering Back To Country Trips for all ages.  The BtC trips are very important, as they bring the people together to build cultural identity, link participants back to culture, create a stronger sense of community, and develop a sense of ownership of pride and identity.  These BtC Trips are sponsored by Tropical Forestry Services, and are supported by partnerships with Kimberly Mental Health and Anglicare WA.

Local Partner Cashless Debit Card Trial – East Kimberley Region. KWAC is a Local Partner in assisting with the roll out of the Cashless Debit Card Trial here in Kununurra.  KWAC will be supporting the local community for the length of the trial in distributing cards; providing information and answering questions about the trial within the community (both to potential Participants and merchants); assisting Participants through the card activation and online account set up process; and assisting Participants in establishing SMS notifications, transactions limits and any future dated transfers.  This is an exciting time, and KWAC hopes to be able to assist all areas of the Community.

Social Change is a commitment that KWAC takes very seriously. KWAC is engaged with other Kununurra stakeholders and partners in addressing and promoting social issues in and around the Kununurra area. Some of these issues are: kids on the street, domestic violence and homelessness.

Conference Room Hire is available to any third party, please phone reception on 9168 1528 to organise a Hire Form.  Barbecue facilities are also available.