Since its beginnings in 2017, Kooyoora has undergone a remarkable transformation from a purpose-built stand alone, professional standards body for the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne and Bendigo to a trusted, independent service provider supporting 23 organisations across Australia and New Zealand. Its journey reflects an ongoing commitment to integrity, adaptability, and independence in the field of organisational safeguarding.

Kooyoora was established in response to growing recognition of the need for independent, transparent, and survivor-focused responses to misconduct and abuse within faith-based institutions. At its core was a robust investigation model, designed to serve the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne and Bendigo with a clear separation from ecclesiastical influence. This model prioritised procedural fairness, trauma-informed practice, and accountability—principles that remain central to Kooyoora’s identity today.

As the organisation matured, it began to attract interest from other dioceses and institutions seeking similar independent oversight. This prompted Kooyoora to evolve its approach, developing a more flexible service model that could be tailored to the unique governance structures, cultures, and needs of a diverse range of clients. While its foundational work with the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne remains a key part of its history, Kooyoora has steadily expanded its reach, now supporting 23 organisations across sectors including faith, education, and community services, as well as expanding its service offerings to focus more on prevention and training.

This growth has necessitated a shift in how Kooyoora sees itself—not merely as a service provider born of a single institution, but as a leader in safeguarding and professional standards in its own right. The next phase of Kooyoora’s evolution is focused on asserting this independence more clearly. Central to this is the development of its own language—terminology, frameworks, and narratives that reflect its values and vision, rather than those inherited from its origins.

By crafting a distinct voice, Kooyoora aims to reinforce its identity as an impartial, principled, and forward-thinking organisation. This linguistic evolution will support clearer communication with stakeholders, foster a stronger internal culture, and signal to the broader community that Kooyoora continues to evolve and adapt as a proactive organisation that contributes to shaping the future of safeguarding in Australia and New Zealand.

In just under a decade, Kooyoora has grown from a diocesan initiative into a national exemplar of independent safeguarding. Its continued evolution promises to deepen its impact and affirm its role as a dedicated advocate and champion of building safety, integrity and justice in organisations.