Marram-Ngala Ganbu (Koori Family Hearing Day)

Marram-Ngala Ganbu (meaning “we are one” in Woiwurrung language) is a Koori Family Hearing day held every Tuesday at Broadmeadows Children’s Court. It started at Shepparton Children’s Court in 2021.

Marram-Ngala Ganbu seeks to provide a more effective, culturally appropriate and just response for Koori families through a court process that enables greater participation by family members and culturally-informed decision-making.

How it works

Marram-Ngala Ganbu works differently from the mainstream Children’s Court, for instance:

• Everyone involved in the hearing, including the magistrate, sit around an oval bar table, to discuss the matter.
• Everybody present is invited to introduce themselves and their connection to the family.
• A Koori Services Coordinator coordinates the listings. The coordinator also provides information and referrals to relevant services.
• A Koori family Support Officer is available at Broadmeadows to assist families navigate the court process.
• A Child Protection practice leader is attached to the program to assist in progressing matters.

To have matters listed on a Marram-Ngala Ganbu Koori Family Hearing day the children must be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and the matter must be case managed by an appropriate child protection office.

For more information please contact the local Koori Services Coordinator.

Kristen Bell

0456 950 773

Kristen.a.Bell@courts.vic.gov.au

Broadmeadows Koori Services Coordinator

Tina King

0438 029 935

Tina.king@courts.vic.gov.au

Shepparton Koori Services Coordinator