Killara Foundation

Who we are

Killara Foundation supports Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples by providing pathways to employment, cultural connection and mentoring, and support in navigating the housing and labour markets.

We work closely with key partners in the Private, Public, and Non-for-Profit sectors to promote cultural practice and awareness, diversity, and inclusion to support employment, connectedness, and social cohesion.

Killara facilitates a wide range of support programs services that address systems that negatively impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, women, and children. Our focus is stability, skills, and connection, with our Life Skills Coaches and Program Leaders building lasting relationships with the people we engage with.

Our Mission

Killara’s work is underpinned by our Founder Kyle Vander-Kuyp and his passion to “empower and connect families and communities.” We strongly believe that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples possess the means to advocate within their communities and drive economic and social change.

Through an Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) approach to service delivery, Killara focuses on mobilising individuals, communities, and institutions, to build on strengths rather than centring on deficiencies.

We exist to facilitate a self-determined ecosystem for wealth creation and prosocial life outcomes alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.

What we do

Training & Employment Intake Program

The Killara Foundation Training and Employment Intake Program provides flexible training and employment program support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young peoples.

Through our intake of 15 young people occuring twice annually, participants are supported to overcome barriers to employment through:

• Culturally-safe mentorship, training, and pre-employment support
• Connections to ACCOs and Community in Naarm
• Referrals to appropriate NDIS, mental health, AOD, and housing supports

Killara Community Outreach & Development 

James Williams, proud Gunditjmara, Gunai, Wiradjuri, and Yorta Yorta man, represents Killara as a Community Development Officer throughout Naarm. 

James' strong connections to Community in Naarm assists his engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

The role see's James supporting Mob achieve sustainable employment, by providing key contacts to career counselling, mentorship programs, and links to relevant social and welfare assistance.    

Djilang Sistas Hub

Located in Djilang (Geelong), the Hub is a safe space for Community sisters to gather, seek assistance, and grow holistically. 

Facilitated by Coordinator Kylie Skew, a proud Palawa woman, the Hub's aim is to increase workforce participation and holistic wellness by removing barriers, building resilience and independence, and connecting to Culture. ​

For Indigenous women in need of assistance in the area, the Hub is located at Corio Village, 83A Purnell, Bacchus Marsh Rd, Corio VIC 3214. PH: 0499 286 221

Killara Cafe 

In partnership with Stockland Housing, Mount Atkinson Community Centre, and Mount Atkinson Holdings, the Killara Cafe is a social enterprise located at Stockland Mount Atkinson in Truganina.​

This venture fits Killara’s vision by creating sustainable, Culturally-safe employment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

As a social enterprise, all profits are redistributed back into our organisation to support the services that we provide for Community on Wurundjeri and Wathaurong Country.

Ngarrgu Djerring Cafe

Ngarrgu Djerring (pronounced Nar-guw Jerr-ing) is an exciting social enterprise venture by Killara Foundation, in partnership with Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, City of Melbourne, Mirvac, McCormack, Property Industry Foundation, Genovese Coffee and other industry partners.

“Ngarrgu” means knowledge and “Djerring” means together in Woi-wurrung language.

The Ngarrgu Djerring approach focuses on delivering high quality and sustainable food and beverage that showcases thriving First Nations agricultural practices, while providing culturally-safe employment and training opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young peoples.