Published on Wednesday, 26 March 2025 at 9:31:06 AM
A community meeting hosted by Moorditj Koort in Armadale brought together Elders, local community members, police representatives, and service providers to address significant concerns affecting Aboriginal communities, particularly mental health, suicide prevention, substance misuse, cultural disconnection, and community safety.
Key issues discussed included:
- Mental Health & Cultural Misunderstanding: Elders and community members expressed concerns about young people's safety and wellbeing, noting that behaviors often seen as disruptive or mental health-related by mainstream institutions may actually reflect spiritual distress or cultural factors. Instances were shared where children's behavioral changes were believed to be linked to spiritual influences, highlighting a gap in cultural understanding among teachers and service providers.
- Substance Misuse & Community Safety: A prevalent issue of substance misuse, particularly the open sale of drugs in the community, was raised. Participants urged police to take stronger action against drug-selling shopkeepers and to address human exploitation activities within the community.
- Culturally Safe Healing Services: There was a clear need for more culturally safe and community-driven healing services. Programs like "Back to Country," healing camps, and spiritual activities were emphasized as critical to suicide prevention and community healing. Participants highlighted the need for safe spaces, including community hubs in schools and dedicated Elders' spaces, to reduce isolation and support mental health.
- Cultural Governance & Community Decision-Making: Elders stressed the importance of establishing cultural governance frameworks to ensure the authentic representation of community voices. The concept of a cultural mapping exercise was proposed to clarify governance roles and prevent the misuse of power by external agencies.
- Systemic Issues: The group acknowledged the existence of systemic racism and discrimination, including the mistreatment of Aboriginal youth on public transport and the challenges faced by Aboriginal-owned businesses in accessing resources and funding. Participants emphasized the need for continued advocacy and collaboration among service providers to address these issues.
- Practical Solutions & Funding: Suggestions included better utilization of available funding opportunities such as Police Community Service Grants, PHN Aftercare Tenders, and Community Intervention Grants to support culturally relevant initiatives. Additionally, awareness campaigns like the "Blue Tree" were proposed to raise visibility for suicide prevention efforts.
A follow-up meeting will be held on April 8, 2025, from 10 am to 2 pm in a larger meeting space to continue discussions and address the complex issues raised.
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