Redress Services: A Key Part of Kooyoora’s Work
Supporting people through the redress process is a key part of Kooyoora’s work. Redress is the process through which survivors of abuse seek acknowledgement, support, and justice—often involving financial compensation, counselling, and a personal response from the institution involved. We provide independent, trauma-informed assistance to survivors across a range of redress pathways, always with a focus on fairness, transparency, and care.
Redress matters managed by Kooyoora are brought forward in a variety of ways. These include:
The Kooyoora Independent Redress Scheme
The National Redress Scheme
Civil litigation, including the service of Supreme Court Writs
The Dilworth Redress Programme
The Anglican Church of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia redress response process
In addition to these formal schemes, Kooyoora also assists with redress-related matters not linked to current clients. This includes supporting survivors of historical abuse connected with the State of Victoria, the Education Department, private schools in New Zealand, non-denominational churches, and a Tasmanian-based organisation. Survivors are supported to access appropriate referrals, advice, and follow-up that enables them to progress their redress matters with confidence and clarity.
Click here to find out more about eligibility, the management process and settlement options.
A Survivor-Centred and Independent Approach
Kooyoora’s role in redress is one of impartiality and informed support. We guide complainants through the process, conduct relevant inquiries, coordinate wellbeing referrals, and liaise with legal representatives, always working to ensure that each matter is handled with professionalism and empathy.
This work may include:
Disclosure interviews and records searches
Submission preparation and supporting documentation
Counselling referrals and wellbeing support
Legal and procedural correspondence
Subpoena responses and compliance with reportable conduct requirements
Assisting with non-financial redress outcomes where requested
Survivors are supported in Australia, New Zealand and internationally, including in North America, Canada and Europe. This has required flexibility and adaptability across different time zones and contexts, with Kooyoora maintaining its commitment to being available for all people engaging in the redress process.
Responding to the Ongoing Impacts of Abuse
The effects of abuse are often complex and far-reaching. Kooyoora assists with wellbeing coordination by linking people to appropriate health professionals and supports that address a broad range of impacts, including:
Complex PTSD
Disassociation and emotional withdrawal
Depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation
Anger and substance misuse
Shame, loneliness and grief
Disrupted family dynamics and relationships
Educational and career setbacks
Loss of childhood, innocence and trust
Understanding these realities is critical to ensuring each person is met with dignity and respect throughout their redress journey.
Working Across Redress Pathways
Kooyoora Independent Redress Scheme
This scheme is built on a relational approach, valuing survivors’ capacity to disclose their experiences in a safe and supported environment. Trust, personal engagement and flexibility are central to this process, recognising that healing is only possible when people feel heard and acknowledged.
National Redress Scheme (NRS)
The NRS is an important pathway for people who prefer a more administrative process with limited engagement. Kooyoora provides guidance and support to those navigating this scheme, including assistance with applications, referrals for counselling, and clarifying available options.
Civil Litigation
Redress claims pursued through the courts form another important avenue for survivors seeking resolution. Kooyoora supports these legal pathways through record gathering, responses to subpoenas, and liaison with legal teams.
Redress in the New Zealand Context
Dilworth Redress Programme
Kooyoora works independently with survivors engaging with the Dilworth Redress Programme. Our role includes preparing redress applications through structured interviews, documentation collation, and survivor support throughout the process. Where applicable, we also assist with non-financial redress, including apologies, meetings and school visits.
Anglican Church of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia
Kooyoora is engaged in the ongoing development of redress processes within the Anglican Church in New Zealand, with some matters already progressed. Services to Polynesia are expected to follow, using the same principles of personal engagement and survivor-led support.
Wider New Zealand Engagement
Redress in New Zealand continues to evolve, with government and faith-based institutions responding to the findings of the Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry. A key recommendation is the establishment of a puretumu torowhānui system—one that acknowledges harm, supports healing, and prevents further abuse. This approach aligns with Kooyoora’s own commitment to meaningful, person-centred redress.
Meet Trevor Walker, Redress Manager
At the heart of our redress work is Trevor Walker, Kooyoora’s Redress Manager. Trevor has over 20 years of invaluable experience in law enforcement, including a distinguished background in Professional Standards where he managed complaints and investigations with integrity and care.
Over the past five years, Trevor has specialised in supporting people through sensitive historical sexual abuse matters, demonstrating both his expertise and commitment to justice.
Trevor brings a deep focus on engagement and support. He works closely with each person to understand their needs, their hopes for the process, and what outcomes are most meaningful to them. His approach is grounded in empathy, respect, and clear communication—ensuring that survivors feel heard, informed, and supported every step of the way. His leadership ensures that Kooyoora’s redress services are guided by experience, fairness, and a steadfast commitment to justice for survivors.
Ongoing Commitment
Redress is not just a process—it is a step towards justice, recognition and, for many, the beginning of healing. At Kooyoora, we remain committed to walking alongside survivors with compassion, clarity and independence, no matter the redress pathway.
Further Information
If you have any questions or would like to discuss any aspect of our redress work please get in touch.