UPDATE: The Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services (KAMS) Social and Emotional Wellbeing Team (SEWB) is making a significant impact in Fitzroy Crossing, just months after the region’s devastating floods in 2023. This ongoing initiative provides critical, culturally safe support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, expanding its reach to surrounding areas.
Initially launched as an emergency response, the SEWB Team has evolved into a vital service focused on healing and connection. Team member Jahved Cox emphasized the urgent need for this program, stating, “After the floods, there was a whole lot of undealt-with trauma and grief. People just wanted a listening ear, showcasing that this service was essential in our community.”
The SEWB Team collaborates closely with KAMS and the newly established Marninwarntikura Women’s Resource Centre, along with local organizations, to deliver comprehensive support that transcends traditional mental health services. Their approach is guided by the SEWB model of care, focusing on seven key domains of wellbeing: spirituality, culture, mind and emotions, community, family, body, and country.
Team member Georgia Carter highlighted the holistic nature of their work, stating, “It’s about connection to country, culture, community, family, and self.” This ensures each client receives tailored care that respects their cultural identity and personal aspirations.
Currently, the SEWB Team is supporting over 50 clients across multiple remote communities, providing essential services like regular check-ins, housing advocacy, job readiness assistance, and help in obtaining vital identification documents such as birth certificates and driver’s licenses. “Our open-door policy helps cater to those who fall into the gaps and aren’t getting attention,” Mr. Cox added.
Success stories are emerging from this initiative. Recently, the team helped a young mother acquire all her identification documents, enabling her to secure a job. Additionally, they assisted a client with a disability in accessing an NDIS plan after years of inadequate support. These practical interventions are transforming lives.
Outreach remains a cornerstone of the SEWB Team’s mission. Every fortnight, they visit communities including Muludja, Billiluna, Eight Mile, and Wangkatjungka, providing personalized support tailored to individual needs. Strong partnerships with local organizations have fostered community-driven activities like bush dye workshops, women’s camps, and cultural art sessions, enhancing connection, confidence, and healing.
Community initiatives have also flourished. A winter clothes drive, fueled by donations from Broome, has helped families prepare for the colder months. Additionally, the beloved “mango runs” have seen the team delivering boxes of mangoes to communities, turning a simple request into a joyful shared experience.
Looking ahead, the SEWB Team is striving for sustained funding to expand their services, further embedding social and emotional wellbeing into everyday community life. The need for ongoing support is clear, as the team continues to address the long-term effects of the floods and promote healing within the community.
This developing story underscores the resilience of Fitzroy Crossing and the imperative need for continued investment in mental health and community support services. The SEWB Team’s efforts are pivotal in fostering healing and connection, proving that community-driven initiatives can make a profound difference in the lives of those affected by tragedy.
