Marlamanu is an innovative, Aboriginal-led initiative that aims to create an on-country diversion facility in the Kimberley, offering a culturally grounded alternative to traditional youth justice programs. This proposal is rooted in the belief that young offenders can be more effectively rehabilitated through connection to their culture and land rather than through conventional punitive measures.

The Marlamanu program is designed to provide young offenders with a unique opportunity to participate in a structured program on a working pastoral station. Here, they are immersed in an environment that fosters personal growth and healing, under the guidance of Aboriginal role models. These mentors will play a crucial role in helping participants build relationships of trust, responsibility, and respect, which are essential for their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

At Marlamanu, young people are not only given the chance to learn about their cultural heritage but also to develop practical skills that can help them in their future careers and personal lives. The program emphasises the importance of connection to country, cultural education, and the acquisition of life skills, all within a supportive and nurturing setting. Participants engage in activities that teach them valuable skills, such as land management and various trades, while also gaining insights into traditional practices and knowledge.

The vision of Marlamanu is to create a safe, positive, and transformative space where young offenders can redirect their lives away from the cycles of crime and incarceration towards a future filled with purpose and potential. By providing an on-country alternative to the conventional justice system, Marlamanu seeks to empower young people and strengthen the cultural ties that are vital to the well-being of Indigenous communities in the Kimberley.