For Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia every day is World Suicide Prevention Day, as it works towards zero suicides amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Established in 2020, Gayaa Dhuwi is the national peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing, mental health, and suicide prevention.
Its role is to work across the system to ensure the highest attainable standard of social and emotional wellbeing, mental health, and suicide prevention outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
While there have been some wins in partnership with government, such as the Social and Emotional Wellbeing Policy Partnership, the drafting of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Strategy and Gayaa Dhuwi Declaration Implementation Plan, and progress on refreshing the Social and Emotional Wellbeing Framework, progress in other areas has been slow.
"Our people deserve to live happy and long lives, enjoying high levels of social and emotional wellbeing and mental health. We know for too many of us that this isn't the case", Professor Milroy AM, Chair of the Gayaa Dhuwi Board said.
"Widescale systemic changes are needed. Gayaa Dhuwi has worked with government to develop the roadmap for these changes – in the form of the Gayaa Dhuwi Declaration Implementation Plan and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Strategy (NATSISPS) – but both are stuck in the bureaucratic process", said Professor Milroy.
"Unless serious action is taken – and taken soon – mortality due to suicide for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will keep increasing. Enough is enough. We need to act now", said Ms Rachel Fishlock, Chief Executive Officer of Gayaa Dhuwi.
The Gayaa Dhuwi Declaration Implementation Plan focuses on a 'best of both worlds' approach to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health, social and emotional wellbeing, and suicide prevention, promoting an appropriate balance of clinical and culturally informed mental health system responses.
The refreshed NATSISPS reflects the changed policy landscape and sets a path for all governments to work in genuine partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, organisations, and communities to reduce the rates of suicide and self-harm amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by driving culturally safe and responsive solutions.
Media are reminded of the importance of abiding by the Good Yarn Guidelines when reporting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander matters, including the provision of 24/7 crisis helpline services: 13 YARN (139276); Brother to Brother crisis line (1800 435 799); Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800).
About us:
Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia's vision is Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, excellence and presence across all parts of the Australian mental health system and the achievement of the highest attainable standard of social and emotional well being, mental health and suicide prevention outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
