A lighthouse project to address the trauma passed down from generation to generation among people affected by the Stolen Generations policy will be launched today.

The “Handstand project” at the Murri School in Brisbane is the first of three intergenerational trauma projects to be launched by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing Foundation. The Healing Foundation was set up on the first anniversary of the Apology to the Stolen Generations, to take the apology forward through culturally strong, locally run healing programs around Australia; education and training; and research into Indigenous healing.

More information about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing Foundation is available at www.healingfoundation.org.au.

MR 0405 Intergenerational Trauma Project

Media contact: Raina Hunter – 0487 772 007 / raina@healingfoundation.org.au

Addressing trauma the first step in improving Indigenous child welfare

Efforts to improve the welfare of Indigenous children hinge on addressing the trauma still impacting many Indigenous families and communities, the ACOSS National Conference was told last week.

In his address to the “Child & family welfare policy: past, present & future” session, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing Foundation CEO Richard Weston discussed the importance of Indigenous people leading the response to this trauma, and speak about how the Healing Foundation is currently engaging Indigenous communities.

“Our communities are still healing from the trauma of past Government policies[1], and this creates an additional challenge for those working in this area,” Mr Weston said.

MR 2903 RW ACOSS Speech

Media contact: Shivaun Inglis, 0451 148 380 / shivaun@healingfoundation.org.au

Training and Education grant recipients announced

Suicide prevention, violence, incarceration, intergenerational trauma, substance abuse, depression, supporting parents and pathways to healing are among the issues that will be addressed under new training and education grants for Indigenous Australians.

Altogether, 48 projects have been funded, spanning every State and Territory and remote, regional and urban Australia. The grants are funded through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing Foundation (1), which was set up on the first anniversary of the Apology. The Healing Foundation works to heal Indigenous communities through culturally strong, locally run Indigenous healing programs, and also funds education and research on Indigenous healing.

Those who will benefit from the training and education grants range from Stolen Generations members to disadvantaged youth, health workers to correctional staff, and pre-schoolers to grandparents.

Read our media release.

View the Training and Education Grant Listing 2012

Healing essential to Close the Gap

Established on the first anniversary of the Apology to the Stolen Generations, the Healing Foundation supports culturally strong, locally run Indigenous healing programs, and funds education and research on Indigenous healing.

Following the first six months of our programs (January to June 2011), 85% of clients reported improved social, emotional , spiritual and physical wellbeing, 95% reported increased connection to culture, and 91% reported increased pride in cultural identity.

MR 2203 Close the Gap Day

Altogether, 48 projects have been funded, spanning every State and Territory and remote, regional and urban Australia. The grants are funded through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing Foundation (1), which was set up on the first anniversary of the Apology. The Healing Foundation works to heal Indigenous communities through culturally strong, locally run Indigenous healing programs, and also funds education and research on Indigenous healing.

Those who will benefit from the training and education grants range from Stolen Generations members to disadvantaged youth, health workers to correctional staff, and pre-schoolers to grandparents.

Training and Education Grant Listing

Suicide prevention, violence, incarceration, intergenerational trauma, substance abuse, depression, supporting parents and pathways to healing are among the issues that will be addressed under new training and education grants for Indigenous Australians.

Altogether, 48 projects have been funded, spanning every State and Territory and remote, regional and urban Australia. The grants are funded through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing Foundation (1), which was set up on the first anniversary of the Apology. The Healing Foundation works to heal Indigenous communities through culturally strong, locally run Indigenous healing programs, and also funds education and research on Indigenous healing.

Those who will benefit from the training and education grants range from Stolen Generations members to disadvantaged youth, health workers to correctional staff, and pre-schoolers to grandparents.

Training and Education Grant Listing

MR 2603 Training and Education Grants

Healing essential to Close the Gap

Established on the first anniversary of the Apology to the Stolen Generations, the Healing Foundation supports culturally strong, locally run Indigenous healing programs, and funds education and research on Indigenous healing.

Following the first six months of our programs (January to June 2011), 85% of clients reported improved social, emotional , spiritual and physical wellbeing, 95% reported increased connection to culture, and 91% reported increased pride in cultural identity.

MR 2203 Close the Gap Day

Healing Centres Program Design Consultancy Request for Tender

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing Foundation is an independent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation with a focus on healing our community. We are pleased to announce an opportunity to undertake a program design consultancy to support us in the development of Healing Centre models.

Tendering Process

All information related to this tender is contained in the tender guide on our website www.healingfoundation.org.au.

For further information contact Lisa Hillan, Program Director on (02) 6124 4400

Closing date for proposals:

Monday 26 March 2012

Healing Centres and Healing Hubs Design Consultancy

Stolen Generations Initiative Announced

A new Stolen Generations initiative launched today by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing Foundation will cement the importance of the Stolen Generations in the healing journeys of Australia’s Indigenous people.

The Stolen Generations Reference Committee comprises: Heather Kamarra Shearer, SA (Aranda People),    Aunty Lorraine Peeters, QLD (Wailwan/Bidgera), Vicki Lee Knowles, NT (Malak Malak/Marithiel, Daly River), Helen Moran, ACT (Wiradjuri and Wongaibon), Carolyn Fyfe, QLD (Juun Ju Warra woman from the Guggu Yimthirr tribe),  and Florence Onus, QLD (Birri-Gubba and Kairi/Bidjara clans).

The Healing Foundation has allocated $750,000 to this program with an additional $200,000 coming from the Australian Government.

MR 1302 Stolen Generations Initiative

Commemorating the Apology

Florence Onus, chairperson NRL speech  Florence Onus All Stars speech 2012
Florence Onus, chairperson Apology Speech   Florence Onus Apology speech 2012

National Apology Anniversary to be celebrated with 101 grants

One hundred and one micro grants to celebrate the Anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations have been distributed nationally by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing Foundation.

The grants of up to $500 each, funded by the Australian Government, will assist Indigenous organisations in funding local activities to commemorate the fourth Anniversary of the Apology on or around 13 February.

2012 Micro Grants recipient listing

2011 Micro Grant event in Tennant Creek