NESTLED within the heart of the community, Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative serves as a vital lifeline, embodying the essence of holistic care and cultural preservation.
Rumbalara stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, offering community-controlled, holistic services. Operated by the Aboriginal community and aligned with the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) model, Rumbalara provides comprehensive and culturally appropriate care through a locally elected Board of Management.
At the helm stands Felicia Dean, a proud Yorta Yorta woman, loving mother and grandmother, and devoted CEO, business owner and community leader. Returning to her role of CEO in 2019 was a moment that filled Felicia with both humility and strength.
“It is more than just a job – it is a cultural calling and obligation. A chance to serve past, present and future generations with honour and integrity,” she said.
Guided by principles of self-determination and flexibility, Felicia has embraced the challenges and triumphs that come with advocating for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities’ rights and aspirations. Through the ACCHO model, Rumbalara secures equitable funding akin to mainstream services within the domain of health and wellbeing. Through this allocation, Rumbalara effectively exhibits genuine self-determination by reshaping the Western framework to provide culturally sensitive services that are guided and shaped by Indigenous voices.
“Our mission is about more than physical wellbeing, including the social, cultural and emotional wellbeing of the whole community, from Birth to Dreamtime,” said Felicia. “Drawing upon the strength and wisdom of our Ancestors, who have tirelessly preserved and passed down Traditional knowledge and practices, we honour their legacy by nurturing our culture and keeping our spirit alive.”
Rumbalara recently held its AGM and announced its strategic priorities for 2023-26, encompassing culture, community, health, wellbeing, family and connection.
With a focus on flexibility and responsiveness, Rumbalara goes beyond funded activities to ensure the community is supported to preserve and celebrate their cultural heritage, to improve health, family and community outcomes, and to foster connections for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Following the footsteps of her Ancestors and working closely with Elders and colleagues across the state, Felicia and the whole of Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative are working towards a future where Aboriginal culture not only survives but thrives for generations to come.
