Support for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community

Published on 12 October 2023

Shoalhaven residents are being asked to be kind, considerate and reach out for support if they’re struggling with discussion about the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum. 

“I know from speaking to people in our community that conversations about the referendum is particularly personal to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities who are the most impacted by the outcome,” said Mayor Amanda Findley. 

“It’s important to support our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, regardless of our stance in the referendum,” Cr Findley said. 

“Let's maintain kindness and respect toward one another not only during this time, but always,” she said. 

Support services are available to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals who feel like they need to talk to someone confidentially.  

• Healing Foundation: Dedicated organisation providing support and resources.
• eheadspace: Free online and telephone support and counselling to young people aged 12 to 25, as well as their families and friends, including fortnightly yarn circles.
• National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO): National leadership body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health in Australia.
• WellMob: Platform that brings together online resources created by and for our community.
• Centre for Best Practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention (CBPATSISP): Australia's leading authority on Indigenous suicide prevention.
• 13Yarn: Free support line with confidential crisis support 24/7, run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• AIMhi-Y app (Android): New app to improve wellbeing for First Nations young people called the AIMhi for Youth.
• AIMhi-Y app (iOS) : New app to improve wellbeing for First Nations young people called the AIMhi for Youth.
• Aboriginal Counselling: Counselling approaches are through the lenses of culture and community.
• Brother to Brother 24-hour crisis line: 1800 435 799
• Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
• QLife – anonymous and free LGBTIQ+ peer support (3 PM-Midnight every day): 1800 184 527
• BlaQ - individualised support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQ+SB people.

Council supports the Yes Vote in the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum, held this Saturday 14 October. 

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