Our programs
A Pathway to Enterprise
AAEF is building programs that will meet participants where they are — whether that's stabilisation, skills development, or building a business. Not everyone will start at the same place, and that's by design.
Ongoing Support
Support Doesn't Stop at 12 Weeks
Every AAEF graduate leaves with a dedicated mentor, a 24/7 support line, and a clear pathway forward. This isn't a program that drops people at the finish line.
A Dedicated Mentor
Every graduate is assigned a personal mentor before they leave the retreat — someone who knows their story and stays with them through the transition.
Always Available
Monthly check-ins keep graduates on track, and the line is open 24/7. If something comes up, we're here.
Business House Pathway
Graduates ready to pursue enterprise have ongoing support through the Business House — planning, financial literacy, and access to AAEF's network.
Life Skills Support
The skills and routines built during the retreat don't disappear. The original program team remains a point of contact long after graduation.
For rehabilitation organisations
AAEF is the Next Step After Rehabilitation
Successful rehabilitation is not the end of the journey. AAEF provides mentoring, employment, life skills, and enterprise pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults who are ready to take the next step.
How it will work
The AAEF Pathway
Most participants will begin their journey at the Life Skills Retreat. Safety House will be available for those who need a period of stabilisation first — including staff who require it before entering the program. Once ready, all participants will move through Life Skills Retreat and on to Business House.
Stage 01
Safety House
Stabilisation first
Where neededStage 02
Life Skills Retreat
12-week residential program
Entry point for mostStage 03
Business House
Enterprise pathway
Criteria-basedEmployment
AAEF & partner roles
Enterprise
Self-employment & micro-business
Ongoing support runs beneath every stage — and continues after graduation.
Dedicated mentor · 24/7 support line · Business House pathway · Life skills follow-up
Who can apply
Eligibility & Who This Is For
AAEF programs are designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are ready to take a step toward a better life. You do not need qualifications, work history, or a business idea to apply — you need a willingness to show up.
Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander identity
Programs are designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, with cultural identity central to everything we do. AAEF is committed to meaningful Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation, guidance, and leadership in all program design and delivery.
Coming out of rehab or crisis
If you have recently completed a rehabilitation program or are in a period of recovery, AAEF is built for exactly this moment. Safety House is available if you need stabilisation first.
Post-justice or transitioning
People leaving the justice system are welcome. AAEF provides a structured, supported pathway that gives you something real to come back to.
No formal qualifications required
You do not need a resume, a business plan, or prior experience. AAEF will build those things with you — starting from wherever you are.
Referred by a service or community
Health workers, justice workers, community organisations, and Elders can refer people directly. Referrals are welcome and encouraged.
How to join
The Intake Process
AAEF is in its establishment phase. When programs open, the intake process will be straightforward — designed to be accessible, not bureaucratic.
Express interest
Contact AAEF directly or ask a health worker, community organisation, or Elder to refer you. There is no formal application form — a conversation is enough to start.
Initial conversation
A member of the AAEF team will have a yarn with you — no pressure, no judgment. We want to understand where you are and what you need, so we can work out the right starting point.
Pathway assessment
Together, we will work out whether you begin at Safety House or go straight into the Life Skills Retreat. This is not a test — it is a conversation about what will set you up for success.
Program commencement
Once a cohort is confirmed, you will receive all the information you need about dates, location, what to bring, and what to expect. AAEF covers the cost of certifications from Day One.
AAEF programs are not yet open for intake. Register your interest now and we will contact you when a cohort is forming in your region.
Register your interestMandatory requirements
Certification Requirements
All AAEF staff and program participants will be required to complete and maintain current certification in the following courses. These requirements exist to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and dignity of every person in our care — and AAEF will cover the full cost of every certification for all participants.
First Aid & CPR
All staff and participants will hold a current First Aid and CPR certificate issued by a nationally recognised training organisation. AAEF pays for this certification in full — participants will begin their First Aid and CPR training on Day One of the program.
White Card (Construction Induction)
All staff and participants will hold a current White Card (General Construction Induction). This is a mandatory Work Health & Safety requirement across all states and territories. AAEF pays for this certification in full — White Card training begins on Day One of the program.
AAEF will pay the full cost of First Aid, CPR, and White Card certifications for every participant. There is no cost to participants — training begins on Day One. No one is disadvantaged because of an inability to self-fund these requirements.
Safety House
Stabilisation Before the Journey Begins
Safety House will not be the starting point for everyone — it will be there for those who need it. Participants who require a period of stabilisation before entering the Life Skills Retreat, including staff members who need support, will be welcomed into Safety House first. Once stable and ready, they will transition directly into the Life Skills Retreat alongside other participants.
Safety House will exist so that no one is left behind because life got in the way. It will provide the foundation of safety and stability that makes learning — and eventually enterprise — possible.
What Safety House provides:
- Available to participants and staff who need stabilisation before entering Life Skills Retreat
- Culturally safe environment with Elder oversight
- Trauma-informed support and case coordination
- Readiness assessment for transition into Life Skills Retreat
- Community accountability and cultural governance
- Transition planning so participants are set up for success
Life Skills Retreat
12-Week Residential Program
The Life Skills Retreat will be where most participants begin their AAEF journey — a planned 12-week residential program. Participants will live and learn together, developing the practical skills, cultural identity, and personal resilience needed to enter the enterprise pathway.
12
weeks
Residential program duration
12
participants
Plus mentors per cohort
10
components
Core learning components
6
outcomes
Measurable program outcomes
10 Core Learning Components:
- 1Cultural identity and governance
- 2Financial literacy and money management
- 3Health and wellbeing
- 4Communication and relationships
- 5Digital literacy and technology
- 6Legal literacy and rights
- 7Housing and tenancy skills
- 8Employment readiness
- 9Parenting and family wellbeing
- 10Enterprise awareness and introduction
6 Measurable Outcomes:
- Stable housing and living skills
- Financial independence and literacy
- Cultural identity strengthened
- Readiness for enterprise pathway
- Community connection and belonging
- First Aid, CPR and White Card certified — paid for by AAEF, completed on Day One
Business House
From Participant to Enterprise Owner
Business House is where the pathway will lead. Participants who have completed the Life Skills Retreat will enter a structured enterprise development program — building real businesses with real support, real mentorship, and real accountability.
Entry Requirements:
- Completion of Life Skills Retreat
- Current First Aid & CPR certificate
- Current White Card
- Elder endorsement and community accountability
8 Business Functions:
Business Planning
Structured business plan development with mentorship
Financial Management
Bookkeeping, cash flow, and financial reporting
Legal & Compliance
Business registration, contracts, and obligations
Marketing & Sales
Brand, customer acquisition, and revenue growth
Operations
Systems, processes, and day-to-day management
Human Resources
Hiring, culture, and team development
Technology
Digital tools and business systems
Governance
Cultural accountability and community reporting
Beyond Business House
The Enterprise Development Framework
AAEF's enterprise divisions span seven industries — from hemp construction and agriculture to hospitality, trades, and professional services. Every enterprise exists to create employment, training, and business ownership opportunities while sustaining the retreat network.
Ready to Learn More?
Whether you are a potential participant, a community organisation, or a corporate partner — we want to hear from you.
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