Since the Korin Gamadji Institute (KGI) was established in 2011 it has been the central location for Indigenous youth capacity development and pathways into the AFL.

In its 10 years, the KGI has expanded its program offering to include six REAL programs to continue to meet the needs of Indigenous youth more effectively.

Over this time, due to the success of its Richmond Emerging Aboriginal Leadership program, the KGI has been the focus of multiple academic research projects and peer-reviewed academic papers. Through previous research that focuses on storytelling and qualitative methodologies, we know that the REAL programs have an impact on participants lives in five key areas: health, leadership, community, culture and pathways. The success of the KGI REAL Program is attributed to high levels of community engagement. Maintained through staff visibility and mobility, KGI engagement remains organic, with participants usually recruited through word of mouth, and engaged through KGI’s reputation.

Connection remains a key element of the KGI experience with young people identifying it as a safe space to explore belonging and identity. Long-term partnerships are a consistent feature within the KGI timeline, with external organisations supporting the work across multiple years. This longevity can be attributed to the KGI’s approach which values reciprocity and prioritises the needs of young people.