The University of Western Australia will channel its expertise in suicide prevention and strengthening social and emotional wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people into a new national centre to drive culturally responsive practice.
From July, the national centre will translate evidence into best practice, bringing together UWA's Centre of Best Practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention (CBPATSISP) and the Transforming Indigenous Mental Health and Wellbeing (TIMHWB) research program.
The Federal Government's Department of Health and Aged Care will fund the centre's first three years of operation, following last December's launch of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Strategy 2025-2035.
UWA will lead the centre with community partners National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) and Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia (GDPSA).
Respected leaders in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suicide prevention, mental health and wellbeing, Professor Pat Dudgeon AM and Professor Helen Milroy AM, will co-lead the centre.
Professor Dudgeon, Australia's first Indigenous psychologist and Professor Milroy, Australia's first Indigenous psychiatrist, will also support the development of emerging community, research and clinical leaders in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and wellbeing, ensuring diversity and continuity in this critical sector.
Their work will focus on translating research evidence into models of support for suicide prevention and social and emotional wellbeing, encompassing community and clinical approaches that can be implemented effectively under the leadership and governance of Indigenous communities.
Professor Dudgeon said Indigenous communities were desperate for proven responses that met cultural needs as well as clinical care when required.
"We will continue to advocate for services and programs implemented under the leadership and governance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in response to local needs, including supporting the welcome extension of the Culture Care Connect program, developed by our consortium partner NACCHO," Professor Dudgeon said.
Professor Milroy said the team was grateful to Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Mark Butler and the Australian Government for their investment in an area of pressing need.
"Their support for the Centre means we can accelerate our work in suicide prevention and improving wellbeing outcomes among our people," Professor Milroy said.
