Member for Wagin Terry Waldron MLA has welcomed a $150,000 grant for the Kaata-Koorliny Enterprise and Employment Development Aboriginal Corporation (KAATA), in Narrogin.
Mr Waldron said the local grant, which was allocated on Monday, would provide Aboriginal suicide prevention training in the Wheatbelt.
He said the grant formed part of the State Government’s $25.9 million suicide prevention strategy, Suicide Prevention 2020.
“This grant will enable the local organisation to train ‘cultural brokers’ to engage families and ensure they can access the care they need following a suicide within the community,” he said.
Mr Waldron said the grant would make a significant contribution to strengthening the capacity of local Wheatbelt communities to reduce the incidence of suicide and would deliver long-term change in groups of people who were deemed vulnerable.
“This local pilot program will engage families over a 12-month period to ensure they can recognise and respond to signs of suicide and self-harm and then access the most appropriate services,” he said.
“Working on the ground with families over an extended period will allow more meaningful relationships to develop and provide the opportunity for honest conversations about mental health and suicide.”
Nationals WA candidate for Roe Peter Rundle said the pilot was a grassroots program developed by KAATA.
“The Narrogin-based organisation is re-applying skills and experience which have already been learnt through engaging Aboriginal students in suicide prevention education,” he said.
“Programs like this are invaluable to regional areas as they can help save lives, and assist people in their time of need.”
On average, one person loses their life to suicide each day in WA. For support, contact Lifeline 13 11 14 or beyondblue 1300 22 4636.
For media enquiries contact Terry Waldron on 9881 1225 or email terry.waldron@mp.wa.gov.au or Peter Rundle on M: 0418 959 810, E: peter.rundle@nationalswa.com