National Reconciliation Week (NRW), held between 27 May and 3 June, is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
This year’s NRW theme is ‘Now more than ever’ reminding us that in every circumstance, the justice and rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are importance. Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In playing our part, we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures and futures.
We are proudly based on Darug Land which homes one of the largest urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations in the nation. WentWest, the Western Sydney Primary Health Network, is dedicated to improving and supporting Aboriginal health in our region by ensuring access to inclusive and culturally safe health services.
Some of our commissioned services and programs include:
- Aboriginal Counselling Services: Supports, empowers and assists clients to navigate the health system and provides holistic mental, physical, social health and spiritual support
- Baabayn: Connects Aboriginal community members to services that help them recover from trauma, reconnect to community and build a sense of self-worth and confidence
- Marrin Weejali Aboriginal Corporation: Since 1996, this service has provided counselling, group therapy, transition assistance, health support, case management community work and referral services for Aboriginal community members affected by drug and alcohol abuse and mental health challenges
- Ted Noffs Foundation – Deadly Dreaming: This program links mentors and elders with young Aboriginal people who are in contact with, or at risk of encountering the juvenile justice system
- The Shed: Provides a welcoming community environment that supports Aboriginal community members by connecting them to mental health, health, housing, financial, disability, legal and cultural services
- Too Deadly for Diabetes: A 10-week program for people with, or at risk of developing, type 2 diabetes. Expertly facilitated by one of Australia’s leading health professionals, Ray Kelly, the program provides participants with a meal plan, exercise program, education and motivation with the aim of losing weight, improving health and reducing diabetes risk factors
- Western Sydney Integrated Team Care Program: Aims to improve health outcomes for those with chronic health conditions through access to care coordination, multidisciplinary care and support for self-management
For more information visit our Aboriginal Health webpage.
Information is correct as of 16 May 2024.