The Albanese Labor Government is investing over $715,000 to improve access to crisis accommodation support for First Nations women and children in Adelaide.
Thanks to this investment First Nations Healing, an Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation (ACCO), will be able to increase the number of spaces available and expand supports for First Nations women and children in their time of need.
Women and children will also benefit from the addition of a new children’s playground and improvements to site security with an upgraded CCTV system.
Crisis accommodation is a central frontline service for victim-survivors of family, domestic, and sexual violence, and is key to making sure those who need it receive trauma-informed services and supports.
This project is one of 17 funded under the Albanese Government’s more than $32 million Increasing Capacity of Crisis Accommodation Services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples program, and builds on successful outcomes in the ACT and Tasmania, providing wraparound supports such as access to psychologists, social workers, youth groups, and weekly yarning circles.
The program is also a priority under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan 2023-2025 (Action Plan), recognising the disproportionately high number of First Nations women and children who experience violence.
More information on the Action Planis available on the Department of Social Services website.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek:
“People often ask ‘why doesn’t she leave?’ when what we should ask is ‘where would she go?’ and ‘what help is available?
“This investment means that more First Nations women and children will have a place to go when they need it most.
“Things like access to a safe playground or improved CCTV systems can improve feelings of safety, security, and overall wellbeing for these women and children – and that is our goal.
“The Albanese Labor Government is focussed on delivering real action to improve the safety of First nations women and children right across Australia.
Quotes attributable to the Member for Boothby, Louise Miller-Frost MP:
“First Nations Healing does such important work supporting women and children when they need it most. This $750,000 will help them to expand their culturally safe accommodation and support, so more families have somewhere secure to turn in times of crisis.”
“We know that rates of family and domestic violence are higher for First Nations women, and that makes culturally safe services even more important. Here in Adelaide, organisations like First Nations Healing are leading the way by providing care that’s local, trusted, and built on connection to community and culture.”
“Having worked in community services here in Adelaide for many years, I’ve seen how much difference it makes when support is grounded in culture and trust. This funding helps strengthen that safety net for the families who need it most.”
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If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence, call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit www.1800respect.org.au for online chat and video call services.
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 www.ntv.org.au
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.