Children's Prevention Programs

The Australian Government is investing $12.7 million over 2 years from 2024-25 to support 9 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled and Indigenous-led organisations to deliver community-led prevention services, programs and campaigns for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children impacted by family, domestic or sexual violence. These activities are designed to:

• meet existing demand
• expand prevention initiatives
• build workforce capacity
• support service innovation tailored to diverse community needs.

The children’s program is being delivered across diverse Aboriginal regions, including:

• In Central Australia, Northern Territory, Town Camps and outstations around Alice Springs are being supported through intergenerational cultural learning and family engagement to address family violence and support prevention efforts.
• In Rockhampton and Livingstone, Queensland, children are participating in primary prevention activities, with parents and caregivers engaged in education around the impacts of domestic and family violence.
• In Roses Gap, Victoria, families are attending therapeutic healing camps on Country to strengthen relationships, build resilience, and develop safe communication and problem-solving skills.
• In Inner Gippsland and Ovens Murray, Victoria, children aged 8 to 12 are being supported through the development of a culturally informed respectful relationships education package.
• In Narrogin and the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia, Aboriginal youth are receiving ongoing support through community-led prevention programs focused on positive decision-making and behaviour change.
• Across Queensland, including Townsville, Cairns, Mackay, Mareeba, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Rockhampton and the Torres Strait Islands, a statewide framework is being implemented to address the impacts of domestic and family violence on children and young people.
• In Balgo, Western Australia, children are participating in culturally grounded prevention services and campaigns that promote safety and strength through on-Country learning.
• In Mount Isa and the Gulf region of Queensland, trauma-informed training and mentoring programs are being delivered to support children and families impacted by domestic and family violence.
• In Wimmera, Victoria, children are being supported through family violence intervention programs that aim to reduce gender-based violence and promote healing.

For more information see https://ministers.dss.gov.au/media-releases/16446.