Better mental health and life outcomes for young people on the Fraser Coast will be the target of the Galangoor Duwulami Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation in partnership with the Palaszczuk Government.
The Galangoor Child and Youth Connect Program will employ a Mental Health Practitioner and an Aboriginal Health Worker to address the specific needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples aged from 8 to 18.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Craig Crawford said the project was one of five locally led initiatives across the State, totalling more than $1 million, to improve community social health.
“The Social and Emotional Wellbeing Program supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to improve mental health, emotional wellbeing, and social outcomes,” Mr Crawford said.
“It will also respond to substance misuse, and reduce rates of suicide in their communities,” he said.
“Like other Local Thriving Communities initiatives, the Program supports First Nations peoples to make decisions about their own future, build on their strengths, invest in things that will make their communities stronger, and make an enduring difference to people’s lives.”
Member for Hervey Bay Adrian Tantari said the locally led initiative would deliver culturally safe mental health support, suicide prevention, and alcohol and other drugs services to improve community well-being.
“I commend the leadership and initiative shown by the Galangoor Duwulami Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation, in its capacity as a Primary Health Care Service provider, in securing a grant of $235,000 through the Program to deliver this life-changing community outcome,” Mr Tantari said.
Stevan Ober, CEO for Galangoor Duwulami Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation said the program would increase young people’s engagement in preventative health care by providing services in a culturally safe space.
“We want to build community understanding that suicides are preventable and to use partner agencies to promote a coordinated and cohesive response to improve young people’s mental health including suicidal behaviours,” Mr Ober said.
“For nearly 15 years, Galangoor has led the way in providing quality, culturally appropriate wrap-around that address health and social inequities and build a healthier Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community on the Fraser Coast.”
Applications for grants funding were assessed, shortlisted, and awarded by an independent expert panel.
