NAIDOC Week is celebrated across the nation this week.
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Its focus is to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This year’s theme is ‘we value the vision: Yirrkala Bark Petitions 1963’, which displays the perseverance and success of the Yolngu people of Yirrkala in northeast Arnhem land in shaping the nation’s acknowledgement of Aboriginal people and their land rights.
During the celebrations this week, don’t forget that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are still a marginalised group in today’s society, often living in disadvantaged conditions. I have read two damning reports on homelessness and the strain on community services this week. Both of the reports found that Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people were over-represented in many categories, which included; homelessness, youth homelessness and mental health issues.
The first report, released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, found that of all those accessing specialist homelessness services 23 per cent identified themselves as being of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander origin.
This is a massive over-representation, as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up 2.5 per cent of the Australian population.
[1] This is a big issue and, services like Youth Off The Streets, try to address this situation through supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to engage in education.
We recognise that education programs are one of the most effective ways to break the poverty cycle than can trap so many young people.
The second report, released by the Australian Council of Social Service, found that young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were over-represented when trying to access youth services (26 per cent).
[2] The report also found that Aboriginal people in NSW were more than twice as likely to report high or very high levels of psychological distress, yet they remain under-represented in mainstream health services.
Because funding for community mental health services is not sufficient, those with high levels of need become disengaged from the mental health system, often with horrific consequences.
[3] The Australian government needs to better fund mental health care in a community setting.
So while we are celebrating the outstanding achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, it’s important to keep in mind that many are still disadvantaged.
Keep in mind the damning statistics from the reports above and remember that community services, like Youth Off The Streets, need funding and resources to keep their support services operational.
Only through offering culturally appropriate and effective support programs, can we hope to close the standard of living gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and Non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Father Chris Riley
Chief Executive Officer
Youth Off The Streets Ltd