Who We Are
Thirrili is a proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation that is led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing. As an Aboriginal and Torres Islander Community Controlled Organisation, we recognise the strengths of our communities and our strong responsibility to support communities in the aftermath of suicide or unexpected fatal incidents. We uphold protective boundaries for individuals, families and communities that allow self-determination in their ways of bereavement and healing.
Our Vision
That Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities are thriving and flourishing for future generations to be free from the traumatic impacts of suicide.
Our Purpose
To provide crucial and timely support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with the acknowledgement of shared, collective, continuous ancestral connections, by drawing on cultural ways of knowing, being, and doing. To achieve this purpose, we:
- Support communities in the aftermath of suicide or other fatal critical incidents
- Work collectively with communities to build self-determined lives free from the impacts of suicide
- Inform systems change at all levels
Our organisation is immersed in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community values. By our actions we demonstrate that all are welcome, everyone belongs, and everyone has a positive contribution to make. We invite communities to hold us accountable to these cultural values.
Story of Thirrili
Founded in 2017, Thirrili takes pride in being the national provider for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander postvention support and assistance. Our approach is all about recognising and harnessing the inherent strength of individuals, families and communities.
When Adele Cox, the Founding Director of Thirrili, envisioned a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to leading the charge in addressing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suicide prevention and postvention, she had a heart-to-heart with her Aunty, June Oscar AO. It was during this conversation that the term Thirrili was suggested, capturing not only the nature of the mission but also acknowledging Adele’s cultural roots as a proud Bunuba and Gija woman.
Our Cultural Values
To the Bunuba people, the word Thirrili carries a profound meaning: power and strength. It's not just a name; it's the very essence of who we are. We draw power and strength from our deep ancestral connection to Country, and we try to honour this in every aspect of our work. We aim to create space where peace and hope can thrive, blending the old ways with new beginnings.
At Thirrili, we believe in being a collective force, ensuring that decisions are always community-led. Respect and reciprocity are our guiding principles, and we grant support and services only when families place their trust in us. Together, as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, we celebrate our diversity and strive to be inclusive and accessible to all, reflecting the rich tapestry of our communities across Australia.
Our cultural values are embedded into all aspects of our organisation. We are:
- Collective, working with communities by invitation to support community led decision making
- Respectful, working with communities under their protocols, at their direction
- Reciprocal, ensuring we provide support and service when communities grant us their trust
- Relationship based: we understand, and respect that our relationship with individuals, families and communities is based on a continuum of care which reaches beyond any one incident or event, and is founded in our shared identity as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- Diverse, our organisation reflects the complex composition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Australia, is inclusive and accessible to all
Strategic Direction 23-26
Thirrili's Strategic Plan is guided by commitments, priorities and targets from important federal and state policies that speak to the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
