Tabulam (Balund-a)

Balund-a provides a residential diversionary program for offenders. Its aim is to reduce re-offending and enhance skills within a cultural and supportive community environment. Located on Bundjalung land, Balund-a is on the western side of the Clarence River and is approximately 25km by road south of Tabulam.

Balund-a accommodates male and female residents aged between 18 and 35, mainly from the Bundjalung Nation. Magistrates are able to sentence offenders to Balund-a after conviction or refer defendants to Balund-a as a condition of bail. The Program also has the ability to accept offenders subject to community-based orders.

Local Elders provide support and assist residents to recognise, restore and value cultural links with their land and history. Residents participate in a range of programs, most from the local community, delivered in a culturally sensitive environment. It aims to develop partnerships with community organisations in order to support resettlement, allowing continuing support after the resident leaves Balund-a.

Aboriginal Name and Meaning - Bugilmah Burube Wullinje Balund-a (from the local language) roughly translates as "Be good now you have second chance down by the river".

Address

186 Welsh Road
Mookima Wybra via
TABULAM NSW 2469

Phone: (02) 6660 8600
Fax: (02) 6660 8636

How to Get There

Public transport
There is no public transport to Balund-a.

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 visits are required 48 hours in advance. Phone Balund-a on (02) 6660 8623

Visit times
Saturday, Sunday and public holidays 9am-3pm.

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.

AVL facilities
Children and other family members in locations remote from Balund-a can now ‘visit’ their relatives via video conference. Phone Balund-a on (02) 6660 8600 to arrange a booking.

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

Getting SMART (Drug and Alcohol)
Think First (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
Real Relationships - for those struggling with personal relationships; aims to give the participant an understanding of the trigger issues and the choices they have when these occur
My Story - Specifically Aboriginal, this program is aimed at young adults who are struggling to understand their identity
Cultural Activities - weekend activities (excursions to sacred sites, stories, music, dance, art) facilitated by Elders
Music
Parenting skills
OH&S Green Card
Chainsaw Level 1
Senior First Aid Certificate
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.

Education

Accredited courses, with nationally recognised qualifications, are made available to inmates at each correctional centre.

The Adult Education and Vocational Training Institute (AEVTI) provides literacy, numeracy and communications courses in all centres. Many centres also offer vocational courses such as Information Technology, Horticulture, Construction, Visual Arts and Contemporary Craft.

AEVTI contracts TAFE NSW and other providers to deliver courses in a range of vocational areas such as Hospitality, Business Skills, Building, Cleaning, Transport, Aboriginal Studies, Horticulture and various WorkCover licenses.

AEVTI also co-ordinates traineeships and offers support for distance education.

Each centre has a library giving inmates access to a range of fiction, non-fiction and reference books. Inmates can also login to a secure internal network called the Inmate Legal Portal which gives them access to material of a legal nature.

For more information regarding these programs visit the AEVTI WebPage.