ABOUT WINMARRA
Fostering the next generation of Aboriginal leaders.
Winmarra Foundation is an Aboriginal-led Public Benevolent Institution (PBI), co-founded by Latrell Mitchell and Sunny Brar. We exist because too many capable young Aboriginal people in regional NSW grow up without the role models, opportunities and consistent support they need — not for lack of ability, but because the systems and structures around them never existed in the first place. Our work is to close that gap, on Country, alongside community, for as long as it takes.
OUR Purpose.
Fostering the next generation of Aboriginal leaders, through cultural connection, mentorship and community engagement.
OUR Vision.
Empowering young Aboriginal people to deepen their connection to culture, Country and themselves through unique on-Country experiences.
OUR Values.
Cultural confidence.
Inclusivity.
Connection & belonging.
Empowerment.
Born from community need.
Winmarra emerged from a simple but profound recognition: many capable Aboriginal youth in regional NSW are lacking positive role models, meaningful opportunities and consistent support to navigate the transition to adulthood. In communities carrying the weight of intergenerational trauma, geographic isolation and limited economic opportunities, talented young people were falling through gaps — not because they lacked potential, but because the systems and support structures they needed simply didn't exist.
Our first program was developed in partnership with Brewarrina Shire Council, Elders, parents and the young people themselves — not imposed from outside. From the beginning, we committed to three non-negotiable principles:
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Community-led, not externally imposed — every decision, every activity, every goal is developed with community input and leadership.
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Culture at the core, not as an add-on — strengthening cultural identity and connection to Country is the foundation of everything we do.
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Consistent, long-term engagement — not one-off interventions, but sustained relationships that extend beyond formal program completion.
Why this matters.
The cost of inaction
The systems that pick up the cost when we don't invest in young people — youth justice, education disengagement, mental health, welfare — cost the community many times more than prevention ever could.
Category
Youth Justice
Education disengagement
Mental health
Welfare & unemployment
Estimated cost (per person)
$100,000–$1,000,000
$250,000–$300,000
$10,000–$50,000
$200,000–$300,000
Potential Savings
$3M +
$7.5M - $9M
$300K - $1.5M
$4M - $6M
Sources: Justice Reform Initiative, NSW Parliament, Mitchell Institute, AIHW, Treasury. Cited in the 2025 Winmarra Impact Report; figures are indicative, conservative estimates.
Investing in prevention now helps avoid many multiples of that cost later — and creates empowered young leaders who contribute to their families, communities and the nation's future.
Our 2026–2029 Strategy
Depth, continuity and cultural integrity over rapid expansion.
Over the next three years, we will focus on delivering a small number of programs exceptionally well, in a limited number of places, building long-term relationships rather than short-term reach. Our growth will be deliberate and values-led — quality, safety and cultural authority are never compromised.
Priority 1 - A Stronger, Safer Delivery Model
Delivery grounded in relationships, cultural authority and shared responsibility — with clearer support, strong safety and wellbeing practices, and culturally grounded ways of responding when things are hard.
Priority 2 - Culture as the Foundation
Cultural integrity is actively protected as the organisation grows, with a continued focus on deepening connection to culture through on-Country experiences grounded in local cultural authority.
Priority 3 - Continuity Beyond Programs
Winmarra operates as a long-term presence in young people's lives — alumni pathways, mentoring roles, education and employment connections, and ongoing cultural and relational support.
See how this plays out across our three phases.
"Our communities are in need of strong leaders, especially young ones. The best way to nurture and develop them is through meaningful mentorship"
Latrell Mitchell, Director.
