KOYA Aboriginal Corporation is currently recruiting for staff following funding for a new Indigenous Healing Service (IHS) for Aboriginal children and young people aged up to 24 years impacted by family violence in the Midland area.

The new service is part of an $8.2 million package to deliver accessible therapeutic healing services to children and young people affected by family violence.

“Once staffed and established young people will be able to connect through self-referral, community referral, or local services, with support guided by relationships and the pace set by participants. The program will be designed with community, ensuring it is flexible, place-based and culturally responsive,” Koya Aboriginal Corporation executive manager operations Grace Hollin said.

“Elders, families and young people will be actively involved in determining service activities,” she said.

“We very much welcome the funding, which is for an initial period of two years.

“Koya applied for the funding having seen the significant need in the community through presentations to our suite of community programs, where family and domestic violence is one of the top two presenting issues for children, young people and families.”

The IHS model recognises that Aboriginal children, young people and families experience disproportionately high levels of family violence, with devastating impacts on their health and wellbeing.

The Aboriginal led, culturally grounded model of support will include healing activities such as art, storytelling, movement, cultural mentoring and on Country experiences to support recovery and help children and young people feel safe, connected and supported.

“Culture is central to healing, strengthening connections to Country, Elders, identity, family and community, while supporting young people to feel safe, strong and connected,” she said.

Koya Aboriginal Corporation is a well-regarded Aboriginal community controlled organisation that provides a wide variety of supports for young Aboriginal people in the north-east and south-west metropolitan area.

Midland MLA Steve Catania said the announcement was fantastic news for Midland.

“Koya Aboriginal Corporation has a track record of doing exceptional work with young people and having them lead this service in our community is a huge win.

“I am very proud of the Cook government for its ongoing investment in Midland and recognising the need for culturally grounded healing services right where they’re needed most.

“This commitment will make a real and lasting difference for young Aboriginal people in our community.”