A training program in Western NSW is helping to break down barriers and ensure Aboriginal communities have better access to mental health support on Country.
A training program in Western NSW is helping to break down barriers and ensure Aboriginal communities have better access to mental health support on Country.
Communities in Nyngan, Warren and Condobolin, Coonamble and Gulargambone are benefiting from better access to culturally safe and informed mental health services following the graduation of 20 trainees from the Marathon Health Aboriginal Wellness Worker traineeship program.
It comes a year after Marathon Health received $1 million in funding from the NSW Government's Regional Aboriginal Partnerships Program to roll out the program and help graduates like proud Wiradjuri woman, Shaana Daley, deliver culturally safe outreach support to western communities.
Trainees such as Ms Daley are employed by Marathon Health during their studies and receive on-the-job experience helping young people aged 12-25 years in Western NSW improve their mental health literacy, increase help-seeking behaviours, and receive basic health assessments and referrals to appropriate services.
The traineeship program is about removing barriers to education and employment and assists students with accommodation, travel costs, meal allowances and support during their studies.
Ms Daley, who recently completed her Certificate IV in Mental Health at the Warren Youth Centre and Community Hub, is grateful for the opportunity to deliver the kind of mental health support she would have liked to receive while growing up.
She is among a total of 29 participants in the Aboriginal Wellness Worker traineeship program, including:
- 13 graduates in the first cohort, who graduated with a Certificate IV Mental Health.
- Seven graduates in the second cohort, who graduated with a Certificate III in Primary Health.
- Nine students in cohort three, who are currently undertaking their Certificate III Community Services
Through Marathon Health's Youth Outreach Project, graduates like Ms Daley will begin servicing additional communities in Bourke, Brewarrina, Lightning Ridge, Walgett and Collarenebri later in the year.
The program is supported by Western NSW Primary Health Network.
Minister for Regional and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
"The NSW Government is committed to boosting mental health outcomes in Western NSW, and I am pleased to share that we have extended the Aboriginal Wellness Worker traineeship program to now facilitate a third cohort of trainees who will graduate with a Certificate III in Community Services.
"The thing I love about this program is that it is working towards addressing an immediate healthcare need in Far West communities while also giving trainees hands-on experience and on-the-job training while they complete their studies."
"It means that by the time our trainees graduate, they already have some great experience under their belt to support and help youth in their local communities to help ensure they are aware of what mental health support services are there when, or if, they need them."
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, David Harris said:
"The NSW Government's commitment to achieving its Closing the Gap priorities emphasises the need to address mental health for Aboriginal people, and the Aboriginal Wellness Worker Program will ensure that Aboriginal communities have access to mental health support from professionals with firsthand knowledge of local issues.
"Closing the Gap is about empowering local Aboriginal communities to drive shared decision-making and self-determination. We know there are better outcomes when Aboriginal organisations and people design, lead and implement Closing the Gap initiatives, which this program is a wonderful example of.
"With 20 First Nations trainees now certified and more to come, this achievement signifies a strengthening of the First Nations workforce in 10 communities across Western NSW and promises better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
"The theme of NAIDOC Week 2024, 'Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud,' celebrates Indigenous identity and empowers First Nations people to stand tall in their heritage and support each other - Graduates like Wiradjuri woman Shaana Daley exemplify this year's theme, and I look forward to seeing what she does in her community."
Marathon Health Program Team Lead, Brendan Cubby, said:
"It is really encouraging that many of our learners are seeing opportunities for themselves and their families that just weren't possible before taking part in this program," Mr Cubby said.
"The program is breaking down barriers and opening up wider pathways for people from remote communities".
Shaana Daley - Cohort 1 graduate- Certificate IV Mental Health:
"Growing up, we didn't have a lot of support where mental health was concerned," Ms Daley said.
"Mental health is very important, especially for our youth. They need to have that support.
"I can already see the benefits of just being there for them, for the kids to have someone they can talk to and open up to - especially our Aboriginal kids. This is something that has been needed for a very long time, and if I can help even one kid, that's enough for me."
Stevie Carr - Cohort 2 graduate- Certificate III Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care:
"The youth outreach program has not only given the chance to further my career but also allowed me to better support my community," Stevie said.
"I am very grateful to have been given the opportunity to learn and further my knowledge of my people and how important it is to ensure meaningful community engagement when it comes to our health and education."
Lacey Boney - Cohort 3 trainee - Cert III Community Services:
"I believe that having qualifications in community service can have a significant impact" Ms Boney said.
"By acquiring these skills, I feel that I can contribute by creating culturally safe environments that are welcoming and provide a sense of belonging and overall well-being for community members."
