Balund-a (Tabulam)

The Balund-a Program is an innovative residential diversionary program for male offenders over 18 years of age. Located at Tabulam, within the Bundjalung Nation, the program's aim is to reduce re-offending and enhance skills within a cultural and supportive community environment. The Aboriginal name, Bugilmah Burube Wullinje Balund-a roughly translates as "Be good now you have a second chance down by the river".

Offenders enter the program as a condition of a section 11 bond for an initial assessment period of two weeks. 

Offenders can also be referred to the program by Community Corrections staff when revocation of parole or community-based order is being considered, or when factors emerge in the course of supervision, and are assessed as requiring intensive residential intervention. 

Following acceptance into the program offenders participate in structured programs within a culturally sensitive framework. Programs address specific areas of risk to assist on improving life skills and reintegration into the community, for example, cognitive based programs, drug and alcohol, anger management, education and employability, domestic violence, parenting skills and living skills. Cultural activities include excursions to sacred sites, music, dance and art. Elders employed by the program provide support and assist resident to recognise, restore and value cultural links with their land and history.

The property is situated on 534 hectares and also operates as a farming and beef cattle property giving the residents the opportunity to develop agricultural skills. The length of stay at the program varies according to individual needs however a minimum period of 6 months is required.

While a focus of the program is to reduce re-offending, and thereby the incarceration rate of Aboriginal people, the program is available to all within NSW.

Address

186 Welsh Road
Mookima Wybra via
TABULAM NSW 2469
Phone: (02) 6660 8600
Fax: (02) 6660 8636

How to Get There

Private transport

From Casino head west along Bruxner Hwy, 56.4km to Tabulam, cross the Clarence River Bridge continue west for approx 2.5km, turn left at Plains Station Rd, Travel 20km, turn left at Welsh Rd, travel 1.8km to Balund-a.

From Grafton head towards Casino on Summerland Way, turn left at Grafton-Tabulam Rd, travel 4.7km and turn right at Coaldale Rd, Mountain View and travel 47.2km, turn right at Clarence Way, Upper Fine Flower and travel 37.4km. Turn left at Top Plains Rd, (the sign says Ewingar) travel 2.9km and turn right at Welsh Rd, travel 1.8km to Balund-a.

From Tenterfield turn off New England Hwy into High St, (sign says Casino/Lismore) continue along Bruxner Hwy 68km, turn right at Plains Station Rd, travel 20km, turn left at Welsh Rd, travel 1.8km to Balund-a.

Visitor information

Bookings:

Bookings for in-person and video visits are required 48 hours prior to attendance and can be made online through Just Connect.

You must register with Just Connect to make a booking by completing the Just Connect Application Form.

Visit times:

Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.

• 9am - 3pm

Before travelling for a visit, please call the correctional centre to confirm visit and visiting time.

Conditions of visits:

• Adult visitors are required to bring photo identification and all visitors are to remain only in designated areas.
• Residents are allowed up to 4 adult visitors and their children at any one time.
• Visitors may bring a picnic lunch, food and non-alcoholic drinks. Residents will not be permitted to take food/drink items back to their accommodation.
• There are vending machines where cold drinks and snacks can be purchased. No change is available at Balund-a. Visitors must have enough coins for use during the visit.

Legal visits

Legal practitioners may visit 7 days. Notification of intention to visit is requested by telephoning Balund-a on (02) 6660 8600 24 hours prior to ensure the resident's availability. Legal access is also available via Audio Visual Link.

Programs

• EQUIPS Suite of Programs; Foundation, Addiction, Aggression and Domestic Abuse
• Accredited courses through TAFE, Southern Cross Distance Education ACE and other service providers; Hospitality, Construction, Contemporary Art, Literacy & Numeracy, Driver Training, WHS White Card, Small Engine Maintenance, Chemical Handling and First Aid. 

• Cultural Programs and Activities - weekend activities (excursions to sacred sites, stories, music, dance, art) facilitated by Elders 

• Hey Dad - parenting program
• Rights and Responsibilities
• Laundry logistics, and a number of hygiene programs
• Farming and agricultural skills, including animal husbandry
• Catering skills, including food handling and hygiene

Maintenance

Residents are involved in maintaining and enhancing the grounds and buildings. ​