Yorgum to deliver new Indigenous healing service

A new Indigenous healing service for Aboriginal children and young people aged 5-18 impacted by family and domestic violence in WA’s  Great Southern will be delivered by Yorgum Healing Services Aboriginal Corporation.

Based in Albany, the new service recognises Aboriginal children, young people and families who experience disproportionate levels of family and domestic violence, with devastating impacts on health and wellbeing.

It forms part of the Cook Government’s $8.2 million package to deliver accessible therapeutic healing services to children and young people affected by family violence.

Culturally based brief interventions

Yorgum is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation that provides a wide variety of supports for Aboriginal people in Western Australia.

• Yorgum Healing Services Aboriginal Corporation to deliver new Indigenous Healing Service in the Great Southern
• The Albany-based service will support Aboriginal children and young people impacted by family and domestic violence
• Part of an $8.2 million package to deliver accessible therapeutic services to children and young people affected by family violence

The IHS model is informed by traditional and local Aboriginal healing and can include culturally based brief interventions, yarning circles, group and individual counselling, and community education sessions.

This initiative delivers on a key outcome of Western Australia’s 2023 Family and Domestic Violence Summit, reinforcing the Cook Government’s commitment to building safe, inclusive communities where all Western Australians feel secure at home, at work and in the community.

Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Jessica Stojkovski said the safety and wellbeing of children and young people was a priority of the Government.

Appropriate support

“We’re continuing to invest more than ever into keeping children and young people safe across Western Australia as part of our commitment to building inclusive and safe communities,” she said.

“We are committed to supporting Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and this new Indigenous Healing Service, to be led by Yorgum, will help ensure our communities have access to culturally appropriate supports.”

Great Southern MLA Reece Whitby added that the new service was an important step in helping Aboriginal children and young people impacted by family and domestic violence heal.

“Yorgum’s deep cultural knowledge and connection to the local community will ensure families can access support that is not only effective, but also grounded in culture and understanding,” he said.

And  Legislative Council member Samantha Rowe congratulated the  Yorgum for being awarded the contract.

“This service strengthens our response and compliments our election commitment to create six more family and domestic violence safe places for those who need them most,” she said.