THE COUNTY KOORIE COURT

Delighted to host Terrie Ann Stewart today at our meeting. Terrie is a proud Taungurong woman who has worked in the Criminal Justice System for over 40 years.

In 1989, Terrie’s passion for community work led her to return to school to study for a Certificate of Applied Social Science ( Aboriginal Welfare Studies.) She is currently the Coordinator of the County Koorie Court.

Terrie explained that the County Koorie Court is legislated in Victoria and the aims are to “encourage the accused to address their offending behavior

- Support the accused in the completion of their sentence

- Improve justice outcomes for the Koorie community

- Create a court system that is culturally responsive.”

Sadly, many offenders are affected by substance abuse, and crimes such as home invasions, car- jacking, armed robberies are on the rise. The Koorie Court aims to break the cycle of entrenched cyclical crime, and positive outcomes are being seen. Victim of crime also have a voice, and are provided with support. Aboriginal Wellbeing employees within the prison system are also on hand to provide support and positive mentoring for Aboriginal inmates.

We thank Terrie most sincerely for her time today.