Other Useful Contacts

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This page contains further useful contacts that may be of interest to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Click on each heading below to show relevant contacts.

Health, wellbeing and healing

Healing Foundation

The Healing Foundation is a national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation that partners with communities to address the ongoing trauma caused by actions like the forced removal of children from their families.

The Healing Foundation provides a range of information and resource regarding Stolen Generations, Intergenerational Trauma, Knowledge Creation and Community Healing.

For more information visit The Healing Foundation or call 02 6272 7500.

Beyond Blue

Beyond Blue is here to help people in Australia understand that these feelings can change.

Beyond Blue want to equip people with the skills they need to look after their own mental health and wellbeing, and to create confidence in their ability to support those around them.

Beyond Blues vision is for everyone in Australia to achieve their best possible mental health.
Through Beyond Blue support services, programs, research, advocacy and communication activities, we’re breaking down the stigma, prejudice and discrimination that act as barriers to people reaching out for support.

For more information visit Beyond Blue or call 1300 22 4636.

Black Dog Institute

The Black Dog Institute is a translational research institute that aims to reduce the rates of mental illness and the stigma around it, to actively reduce suicide rates and empower everyone to live the most mentally healthy lives possible.

A range of information and resources are available on the Black Dog Institute website.

For more information visit Black Dog Institute or call 02 9382 4530.

Reconciliation Australia (National Office)

Reconciliation Australia promotes reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader Australian community and is the lead body for reconciliation in the nation.

Reconciliation Australia an independent not-for-profit organisation that promotes and facilitates reconciliation by building relationships, respect and trust between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It includes programs such as the Reconciliation Actions Plans, along with advocacy and public education work.

For more information visit Reconciliation Australia or call 02 6153 4400.

Journey of Healing ACT Inc

Journey of Healing ACT Incorporated promotes understanding and healing between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Arranges events for Sorry Day and supports local Aboriginal initiatives.

For more information call 0420 764 350.

The Women’s Centre for Health Matters Inc.

The Woman’s Health for Health Matters (WCHM) is a community-based not for profit organisation which works in the ACT and surrounding region to improve women’s health and wellbeing. WCHM does this in a variety of ways including:

  • Health Promotion
  • Social Research
  • Community Development
  • Capacity Building
  • Information Provision
  • Education
  • Advocacy

For more information visit Women's Centre for Health Matters or call 02 6290 2166.

Justice, Legal and Social

Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT)

The Aboriginal Legal Service is a community organisation giving information and referral, legal advice and court representation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders regarding Criminal law, Children's Care and Protection law and Family law. The Aboriginal Legal Service provides information and referral for Civil law, assists with Work and Development Orders and Custody Notification.

For more information visit Aboriginal Legal Service or call:

ACT Human Rights Commission

The ACT Human Rights Commission promotes the human rights and welfare of all people living in the ACT. The Commission can assist you to find out more information about your Cultural rights which exist to protect your traditions and customs.

For more information visit ACT Human Rights Commission or call 02 6205 2222.

ACT Ombudsman

An ombudsman is an independent person who can investigate and resolve disputes between people and government. They investigate complaints from people who believe they have been treated unfairly or unreasonably by an ACT Government agency.

For more information visit ACT Ombudsman or call 1300 062 072.

ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander – Official Visitor

Official visitors aim to safeguard standards of treatment and care and advocate for the rights and dignity of people being treated under a range of legislation.
Official Visitors are available during business hours from Monday to Friday.

An official visitor may be contacted by calling 1800 150 036 and following the prompts. A recorded message will direct the caller to the appropriate Official Visitor. Persons calling this number may be asked to provide their name, phone number and the place they would like the Official Visitor to visit.

For more information visit ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander – Official Visitor or call 1800 150 036.

Legal Aid ACT

Legal Aid ACT helps people in the ACT with their legal problems, especially people who are socially or economically disadvantaged. We can help in criminal law, family law and some civil law matters.

Legal Aid ACT offers free and confidential legal advice, assistance, information and referrals to everyone in the community. Legal Aid ACT Services include:

  • Domestic and Family Violence - specialist domestic and family violence lawyers who are available to provide you with free legal help every day of the week regardless of your income or property
  • Family Dispute Resolution – to help resolve family law disputes out of court.
  • Youth Law Centre - free and confidential legal services for young people between the ages of 12 – 25
  • Older Persons ACT Legal Service - legal assistance to older people in the community who are experiencing problems with a range of legal issues.

For more information visit Legal Aid ACT or call 02 6243 4311 or call the Legal Aid ACT Helpline on 1300 654 314.

Women’s Legal Centre ACT and Region

The Women’s Legal Centre ACT is a specialist legal service based in Canberra, providing legal and non-legal support to Canberra’s most vulnerable women. They are a feminist, nationally accredited community legal centre, and provide free advice and representation to women on family law, employment and discrimination matters.

For more information visit the Women’s Legal Centre ACT or call 02 6257 4377.

ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS)

The ACT Council of Social Service Inc. (ACTCOSS) represents not-for-profit community organisations and advocates for social justice in the ACT.

ACTCOSS is a not-for-profit peak body working collaboratively with organisations and individuals who support our vision and goals for positive social change.

ACTCOSS advocates to government on social policy, encourage individuals and groups to take action, and provide capacity building services and resources to community organisations.

For more information visit ACT Council of Social Service or call 02 6202 7200.

Tjillari Justice Aboriginal Corporation

Tjillari Justice Aboriginal Corporation’s aim is to break the cycle of inter-generational offending by supporting the development of strong cultural identities and positive family and community connections.

Tjillari services are based on the “Family Justice Model” which taps into the strengths of families and communities. By identifying family strengths, productive behaviours and successful coping mechanisms, Tjillari can develop a personal case management plan in partnership with our clients, their family members and community agencies.

Some of the services Tjillari provide include:

  • Support for ex-offenders and people of community-based orders
  • Advocacy and support for families of detainees
  • Community Capacity Building Workshops

For more information visit Tjillari Justice or call 0402 062 191.

Gulanga Program (ACTCOSS)

The Gulanga Program is designed to support ACT community sector organisations to develop and improve upon good, culturally appropriate practice standards.

The program employs Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander workers and aims to provide better engagement with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples and their families to access the services that will best meet their needs.

For more information email gulanga@actcoss.org.au or call 02 6202 7202.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Representation

The United Ngunnawal Elders Council

The United Ngunnawal Elders Council (UNEC) provides advice to ACT Government and the ACT ATSIEB in relation to heritage and connection to land matters for the Ngunnawal people.   

When planning an official event, agencies should consult with UNEC as the advisory body to the ACT Government on Aboriginal heritage, and ‘connection to country’ matters. Contact details can be obtained from the Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs on 02 6207 9784.

For more information visit Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs.

The ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body

The ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body (ACT ATSIEB) represents Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in the ACT, advocates for their interests and reports to the Minister on issues of concern.

For more information visit ACT ATSIEB or call 02 6205 2551.

Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association

The Australian Indigenous Doctors Association advocates for improvements in Indigenous health in Australia and encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to work in medicine by supporting students and doctors.

AIDA’s purpose is to contribute to equitable health and life outcomes, and the cultural wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. AIDA does this by striving to reach population parity of Indigenous medical students and doctors and supporting a culturally safe healthcare system.

For more information visit the Australian Indigenous Doctors Association or call 02 6273 5013.

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker Association

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker Association (NATSIHWA) is the peak Professional association for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers in Australia.

NATSIHWA and members contribute significantly to closing the gap in health outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, which is of direct and immediate benefit to Aboriginal communities across Australia and a significant national priority for Australia.

NATSIHWA supports Health Workers and Health Practitioners and their communities through a range of programs, providing tools and resources for Health Workers and Health Practitioners and their services and facilitating and delivering professional development opportunities for Health Workers.

For more information visit National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker Association or call 02 6221 9221.

National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation

The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) is the national peak body representing Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs) across the country on Aboriginal health and wellbeing issues.

NACCHO provides advice and guidance to the Australian Government on policy and budget matters while advocating for community-developed health solutions that contribute to the quality of life and improved health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

NACCHO represent– 144 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) that operate in over 300 clinics across Australia, delivering holistic, comprehensive and culturally competent primary healthcare services.

For more information visit National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation or call 02 6246 9300.

Indigenous Allied Health Australia (National Office)

National Peak Body representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander allied health professionals and students.

Indigenous Allied Health Australia is a national, member-based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander allied health organisation. IAHA leads sector workforce development and support, to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

IAHA supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander allied health students and graduates, value adding to existing professional development, educational and cultural support structures. IAHA also supports the broader allied health workforce and its associate membership of individuals and organisations with expertise, interest and commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.

For more information visit Indigenous Allied Health Australia or call 02 6285 1010.

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women's Alliance

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women's Alliance (NATSIWA) empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to have a strong and effective voice in the domestic policy advocacy process.
 
The National Women’s Alliances (the Alliances) represent over 180 women’s organisations from across Australia. They bring forward the views, voices and issues of Australian women and, in particular, women from marginalised and disadvantaged groups. The Alliances take the lead in ensuring that the voices of as many women as possible are heard, especially those who in the past have found it difficult to engage in advocacy and decision making.

For more information visit The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women's Alliance.

Accommodation

Aboriginal Hostels

Aboriginal Hostels provides short term accommodation in 47 facilities across Australia. There is currently no accommodation available in the ACT however you can find accommodation in other locations.

For more information visit Aboriginal Hostels.

Beryl Women Inc

Beryl provides short term, low cost crisis housing to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children who are homeless due to domestic violence. The service is staffed by trained experienced workers and includes women from Indigenous and culturally diverse backgrounds.

For more information visit Beryl Women Inc or call 02 6230 6900.

ACT Health Mental Health Accommodation

The ACT offers many types of accommodation to help you get the care and support you need. Our accommodation options are available for outpatient adults, older people, children and teenagers.

For more information visit ACT Health Mental Health Accommodation.

Page last updated on: 13 May 2021