A 'Sea of Hands' created for the 10th Anniversary of National Reconciliation Week in Kalgoorlie-Boulder in June 2005.

These pages provide information about initiatives, projects and programs that strengthen communities and families to ultimately keep women and children safe.

In different ways, they promote strong children, strong families, and strong communities.  The projects included provide information, raise awareness, provide education and/or deliver services. They promote positive images of Aboriginal children, women, men and family relationships. They reinforce that violence and abuse in Aboriginal communities are not acceptable and ultimately strengthen families and communities to keep children safe.

Some are provided by government organisations. Others are provided by non-government organisations or Aboriginal communities.  Some have been developed independently. Others have resulted from the collaboration of government, not-for-profit, community and business interests.

While most are ongoing, some are ‘once off’ initiatives. They have been included in the directory (even though they may have occurred in the past) to provide information about the type of events that have been positive and may provide useful lessons.

The projects listed focus on one or more of the following themes. These themes were identified in the Governments response to the Gordon Inquiry as significant areas for action.  As there are a number of initiatives that fit theses themes we have listed them for your information.

• Promoting positive images of Aboriginal people and family relationships
• Family violence and abuse are not okay and Aboriginal people have the ability to bring about change
• Safety of children and women is a priority
• Importance of valuing children, healthy lives and communities
• Children and adults who are victims of abuse and violence should be supported to disclose
• Child protection and protective behaviour education and information
• Healthy attitudes to sexuality
• Men and boys are important

Although there are many projects and programs listed, it is not comprehensive and we welcome information about other initiatives and ask that you let us know about them. Please contact us.

Other websites you may find useful include -

The government’s response to the Gordon Inquiry http://www.gordonresponse.dpc.wa.gov.au/

Department of Indigenous Affairs
http://www.dia.wa.gov.au/

Indigenous Portal website for information on Australian government services for Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander peoples.
http://www.indigenous.gov.au/

Registrar of Aboriginal Corporations for information on Indigenous corporations and incorporating under the Aboriginal Councils and Associations Act 1976 (ACA Act).
http://www.orac.gov.au/