Funding boost for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health initiatives
- The Crisafulli Government will invest $2 million to improve the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- First Nations Social and Emotional Wellbeing grants will be distributed to six community organisations across the state.
- The grants are designed to help reduce suicide rates among Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The Crisafulli Government is investing $2 million into initiatives designed to improve the mental health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Queensland.
The First Nations Social and Emotional Wellbeing grants will be distributed among six Indigenous organisations to define, design, and deliver initiatives to boost health and wellbeing within their communities.
The approach aligns to two Closing the Gap Priority Reforms: Formal Partnerships and Shared Decision-Making and Building the Community-Controlled Sector.
Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Fiona Simpson MP, said the Queensland Government is committed to ensuring better health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
"The rate of suspected suicide among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in 2023 was 1.5 times higher than for non-Indigenous people," Minister Simpson said.
"With these grants, we are taking important steps to help boost mental health outcomes and close this gap between Indigenous people and the broader community.
"It's pleasing to see so many of these new initiatives focused on improving health and wellbeing for families and young people on the ground, in communities.
"By prioritising health, particularly youth mental health, we equip future generations with better opportunities to thrive."
The Queensland Mental Health Commission (QMHC) is funding the grants which are administered by the Department of Women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism.
Commissioner, Ivan Frkovic said the Queensland Mental Health Commission is proud to fund this important initiative.
"It's vital we work alongside First Nations communities to help improve a range of social and emotional wellbeing outcomes, including reducing suicide rates.
"What's most important about this initiative is that it's community-led and driven, because First Nations communities know best what works to support their wellbeing and it's critical we draw on this expertise," Mr Frkovic said.
The grant recipients are based in Barcaldine, Cherbourg, Kowanyama, Logan, Pormpuraaw and Wujal Wujal.
2024 First Nations Social and Emotional Wellbeing grant recipients:
Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council: The Future is in Your Hands
To engage young people and enhance their mental health and social and emotional wellbeing through a range of initiatives including forming a partnership with Deadly Choices and developing a youth strategy with Kowanyama's young people.
Pormpur Paanthu Aboriginal Corporation: Thrive Together
To deliver the 'Thrive Together: PPAC Social and Emotional Wellbeing Initiative' offering individuals and families in Pormpuraaw culturally sensitive mental health support and counselling services.
Gunya Meta: Healing Spirit Together
A culturally sensitive trauma-informed program, where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members of the Logan community can identify, explore, and begin the healing process of intergenerational trauma.
Central West Aboriginal Corporation: CWAC Horsemanship Therapy
To deliver the CWAC Horsemanship Therapy Program for at-risk Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people to boost confidence and redirect them to activities that strengthen connections to culture and Country.
Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council: Cherbourg Stronger, Healthier Together
To deliver the Cherbourg Stronger, Healthier Together project to assist young to people find meaningful work in community that connects them to community, culture, and country.
Wujal Wujal Justice Group Indigenous Inc.: Healing on Country Program
To support the 'Healing on Country' program by providing local young Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples with culturally safe opportunities for healing trauma, including traditional hunting and gathering, storytelling, and camping.
