The program has 4 aims:

Aboriginal Elders, as the traditional knowledge keepers, will express their cultural responsibility for passing their knowledge on to younger generations of Aboriginal community.

Younger Aboriginal people will be immersed in cultural practice and supported with mentoring by Elders.  

Aboriginal Elders will be empowered as a result of sharing their knowledge and experience as cultural leaders with other aged people in the non-Aboriginal community.

ECoTAC will deliver culturally appropriate support to meet the diverse needs of its members and the Aboriginal community. 

The milangkani Culture program will contribute positively to the Closing the Gap outcomes and achieve meaningful progress towards closing the gap in several ways:

1. Strengthening Cultural Practice and Traditional Knowledge:

By providing a platform for Elders to share knowledge and practice culture, the program helps to preserve and maintain traditional Aboriginal culture. Addressing the negative impacts of colonisation by supporting cultural practice, spending time on country, and sharing traditional knowledge, the program will empower Aboriginal individuals to maintain and strengthen their cultural identity.

This will contribute to Closing the Gap outcome#15 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people maintain a distinctive cultural, spiritual, physical, and economic relationship with their land and waters and outcome #16: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and languages are strong, supported, and flourishing.

2. Improving Social and Emotional Wellbeing:

The program aims to enhance the wellbeing and resilience of Aboriginal Elders and younger generations. By providing a safe and culturally supportive environment, the program addresses the increased social isolation and declining confidence experienced by Elders due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Cultural connectedness will generate improved mental, emotional, and social health outcomes for both Elders and younger participants.

Improved social and emotional wellbeing aligns with the Closing the Gap outcome#1 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people enjoy long and health lives, and outcome #14 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people enjoy high levels of social and emotional wellbeing.

3. Intergenerational knowledge sharing:

The program provides an opportunity for Elders to share their cultural knowledge and experiences with younger generations. By engaging in culturally relevant workshops and activities, younger Aboriginal participants can gain a deeper understanding of their heritage, fostering a sense of identity and pride. This cultural education can contribute to improved educational outcomes by promoting a positive learning environment and strengthening the connection between cultural identity and academic success. 

This will support Closing the Gap outcome #5 Students achieve their full learning potential and outcome #7 Youth are engaged in employment or education.