Fortescue expands Aboriginal men's health support with new Port Hedland partnership - Australian Mining
Fortescue’s superintendent community Laura Hawes with Wirraka Maya Health Service Aboriginal Corporation CEO June Councillor. Image: FortescueAboriginal men in Western Australia’s Pilbara region will have. . .
Fortescue’s superintendent community Laura Hawes with Wirraka Maya Health Service Aboriginal Corporation CEO June Councillor. Image: FortescueAboriginal men in Western Australia’s Pilbara region will have greater access to culturally safe health and wellbeing support through a new partnership between Fortescue and Wirraka Maya Health Service Aboriginal Corporation. The two-year partnership, costing around $200,000, will support Wirraka Maya to develop and deliver a men’s health program designed around local community needs, cultural values and Aboriginal leadership. Wirraka Maya is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation providing culturally appropriate primary healthcare services across Port Hedland, South Hedland and surrounding communities. The new program will focus on improvingaccess to health promotion, wellbeing services and support in a setting that is culturally safe and community-led. A key component of the initiative will be supporting a male liaison officer to help develop and deliver the program, while progressing plans for a dedicated men’s drop-in centre. Local male Elders will be involved throughout the program’s development to ensure it reflects community priorities, cultural knowledge and local leadership. Fortescuedirector of approvals, communities and services Rosli Wheelock said the partnership was built on the strength and trust Wirraka Maya has developed within thelocal community. “Wirraka Maya is trusted by the local community because it understands what works and what people need,” Wheelock said ina statement. “We’re proud to support a program that’s being designed by the community, for the community. ”Wirraka Maya Health Service Aboriginal Corporation chief executive officer June Councillor said the program would provide an important pathway for Aboriginal men to access support in a culturally appropriate environment. “We can build on our existing work and continue to respond to local needs, strengthen social and emotional wellbeing and support better outcomes for Aboriginal men and their families,” Councillor said. The partnership forms part of broader efforts to improve community wellbeing by supporting locally led solutions and strengthening access to culturally appropriate health services across the Pilbara. Subscribe toAustralian Miningand receive the latest news on product announcements, industry developments, commodities and more.