The Hon Amanda Rishworth MP
Minister for Social Services
Minister for National Disability Insurance Scheme
Senator Deborah O'Neill
Senator for New South Wales
The Albanese Labor Government is addressing rates of domestic and family violence, investing $2.86 million to set up two new Men's Wellness Centres in regional New South Wales.
Two local Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations will design and deliver Men's Wellness Centres for their local communities, providing culturally appropriate programs and activities for First Nations men to improve their wellbeing and to prevent violence.
Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service Limited will receive $860,000 to establish a culturally sensitive and safe space for First Nations men in Walgett to address social isolation, promote mental health, preserve cultural knowledge, and foster community resilience. The centre will also have a dedicated space for health checks.
Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service Limited will receive $2 million to support men through one-on-one and group sessions on alcohol and other drug support, parental support, counselling and therapy, health and legal education, suicide awareness training and education, domestic family violence support.
This funding is part of a $41.4 million Government investment under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan 2023-2025 to develop 13 Men's Wellness Centres for First Nations peoples around Australia.
Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth said the Government is driving change to combat gender-based violence - including working directly with men.
"Through these new Men's Wellness Centres, we are boosting the services available for First Nations men, so they have the tools and opportunities to create healthier behaviours and stronger, safer communities," Minister Rishworth said.
"Importantly, these new programs are led by the First Nations community, for the First Nations community, to provide culturally safe and connected support."
Senator for New South Wales Deborah O'Neill said the Men's Wellness Centres will provide First Nations men with the culturally safe support they need to build healthier, stronger communities.
"The Albanese Labor Government is taking real action to address domestic and family violence with this $2.86 million investment in Men's Wellness Centres for regional NSW," Senator O'Neill said.
"This investment by the Albanese Labor Government demonstrates our commitment to community-led solutions and violence prevention - giving men the tools, support, and space to break cycles of violence, strengthen their mental health, and stay connected to culture and community."
The initiative will also help progress Target 13 under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap 2020-2030, which aims to reduce all forms of violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children by at least 50 per cent by 2031.
