A new early intervention project to protect First Nations women and children from family violence in the East Kimberley region of Western Australia will soon be rolled out.
Preventing and eliminating domestic and family violence in First Nations communities is a priority for the Albanese Labor Government.
That’s why we’re supporting the Ngnowar Aerwah Aboriginal Corporation to deliver the Wyndham Women’s Well-being and Empowerment project this year, with more than $668,000 in funding from our $38 million Closing the Gap Outcomes and Evidence Fund.
The First Nations developed and designed project will increase family safety awareness through weekly health-focused learning sessions, yarning circles, and art activities. A new case manager will provide individualised support and referrals for women and families.
Through education and help with minor repairs, a home management program will improve household safety and liveability, factors that can place women and families at risk of violence and child protection orders.
Local women will also be empowered to address family and child safety issues in their community, by learning from more experienced services and programs.
First Nations women are 33 times more likely to be hospitalised and seven times more likely to be homicide victims due to family and domestic violence than non-First Nations women.
Under the Closing the Gap Outcomes and Evidence Fund, First Nations people, organisations and communities co-design, trial and evaluate projects to help close the gap.
The Ngnowar Aerwah Aboriginal Corporation will work with the Wyndham Early Learning Activity Centre to deliver the project. Binarri-Binyja Yarrawoo, the Empowered Community backbone and broker for the Outcomes and Evidence Fund, worked closely with the local community and Aboriginal organisations in the region to develop it.
More information on the Closing the Gap Outcomes and Evidence Fund is available on the Department of Social Services website.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth:
“All Australians deserve to live in an environment free from violence – including in the East Kimberley. Under the Closing the Gap Outcomes and Evidence Fund, the Albanese Labor Government is delivering on our commitment to work in real partnership with First Nations peoples to close the gap and improve their safety and wellbeing. That means solutions from the community, for the community.
“This trial project – sourced from within the community, drawing on local knowledge and delivering services targeted to the community – is a great example of place-based approaches in action.”
Quotes attributable to the Senator for Western Australia, Glenn Sterle:
“It is great to see the Albanese Labor Government will continue to ensure First Nations families and children in Western Australia feel safe, supported, and connected to culture.
“This First Nations-led project will focus on family and child safety, and how to prevent households from becoming unfit for safe living.”