Culture Club

Culture Club

Yari Diiwali

Poor mental health outcomes among First Nations youth and over representation in the justice system.

16 week Culture Club engaging Indigenous youth 3 days a week in activities that promote cultural identity, empowerment, understanding, resilience, positive community connection, cultural preservation, leadership development, healing and healing of intergenerational trauma.

The 16-week Culture Club was successfully delivered in Hervey Bay with 22 participants aged 10-17 years old participating. There was an attendance rate of 85% demonstrating high engagement among participants.

Participant Story 1: A female attendee, aged 11, demonstrated an increase in personal confidence, growth in confidence in identity and improved wellbeing. The participant identified in her first interview with staff that she wanted to learn more about her Aboriginal heritage with program mentors providing her with guidance throughout the 12 week program.

Participant Story 2: A male attendee, aged 16, demonstrated an increase in self-confidence, and self-awareness. He was supported with a mentor throughout the program to identify goals, and challenges he is currently facing. He identified counselling to help him develop the skills to manage his emotions along with some cultural activities to help him feel connected with community. He was linked up with headspace. He identified potential career pathways in local trade industry, so mentors linked him up with the local Indigenous justice group who provided free white card training.