The Albanese Labor Government is supporting more First Nations women, children and families and providing a $23.2 million boost to expand the Healing for Families initiative to a total of 12 locations across Australia.
The Healing for Families program will deliver culturally-based and trauma-informed healing support where it is needed most – such as counselling and therapy, financial support and advice.
The funding boost will see the program expand to a further 7 communities, focusing on women and children who have experienced the impacts of family violence and children at risk of removal into out of home care in:
- Aurukun, QLD
- Bidyadanga, WA
- Coffs Harbour, New South Wales
- Ngukurr and Numbulwar, NT
- Port Augusta, SA
- Perth, WA
- Tasmania
With 3 in 5 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women experiencing physical or sexual violence, the Healing for Families program recognises the crucial role First Nations women play in ensuring the strength and wellbeing of their families and communities, while working to address the disproportionately high rates of violence they experience.
The $23.2 million package is in addition to the funding dedicated to establish 5 healing sites for First Nations survivors of child sexual abuse.
Delivering concrete action on the dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan 2023-25 under the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032, the Healing for Families program aims to improve the social and emotional wellbeing of First Nations families through healing.
It follows a $96 million investment announced in December for new grant opportunities for eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community-Controlled Organisations and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations to help end family, domestic and sexual violence.
The Albanese Government remains committed to Closing the Gap and reducing family violence, with initiatives including Healing for Families working in genuine partnership with communities to provide crucial opportunities for trauma recovery.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney
“We know that healing is a holistic process and works best when programs are community-led and community driven, that’s why we’re boosting funding to deliver the support for First Nations women, children and families need, where it’s needed most.
“First Nations women are vital to the strength and wellbeing of First Nations families and communities, with this funding boost we’re ensuring more women have access to the crucial services that deliver opportunities for healing.
“These further investments are about ensuring communities are in the driver’s seat when it comes to service delivery, and we’ll continue working with them to ensure they have the support they need to deliver the programs that offer pathways to real change.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth
“We know rates of family, domestic, and sexual violence in Australia is disproportionately high for First Nations women and children and our Government recognises the importance of culturally-informed action, shaped by true partnerships with First Nations peoples..
“We can do more to prevent violence by listening to people and ensuring that funding is getting to communities that need it. Recovery and Healing is one of the key pillars of our National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032. Ensuring culturally-based and trauma-informed healing support is delivered where it is needed most will assist.
“Through a combined effort between the Government, First Nations communities, and the family, domestic, and sexual violence sector, we can ensure we can turn the tide on violence in our communities and provide safer, brighter futures for all Australians.”
Quotes attributable to CEO Bidyadanga Aboriginal Community Tania Baxter
“Bidyadanga is a remote Aboriginal community in the Kimberley region of WA with unique needs that our organisation supports, with Healing for Families funding ensuring we can develop more in-depth and targeted support for the women, children and families in remote community settings that need it most.
“We work hard to build and sustain a close relationship with our community and understand their culture, family obligations and diverse needs, with this relationship providing a strong foundation to deliver the essential activities to support healing.
“Our community understands better than anyone what they need to encourage healing, that’s why our ground-up and hands on approach is crucial in meeting the needs of community, with Healing for Families an essential lifeline to ensuring we can continue to work with our members and community to build a stronger future.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via 1800RESPECT or text 0458 737 732. These services are available 24-hours a day, 7-days a week.
Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit No to Violence.