Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander | Australian Veterans' Connect Program
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 

We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.  In the spirit of reconciliation the AV Connect acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community.  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.

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'For Our Country', Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander commemoration. Courtesy and © of the Australian War Memorial.

" For Our Country, a sculptural pavilion commemorating the military service and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Army

Information and support LINK for joining or serving

ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDERS

Airforce

Navy

Image by Cynthia Magana

DVA

"We can help veterans and their families in many different ways. We do not have separate programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander veterans. We help people based on their service."

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Image by Warren Wong

DVA Indigenous Veterans' Liaison Officer

"If you would like to speak to someone who can help, contact an Indigenous Veterans' Liaison Officer.  The officer's job is to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander veterans get the right support. "

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Image by David Mullins
Aboriginal Cultural Dance

Wellmob

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WellMob brings together online resources made by and for our mob. Here you will find websites, apps, podcasts, videos, helplines, social media and online programs all with a focus on social and emotional wellbeing.

Image by Heiko Otto

ATSIVSA

"ATSIVSA was established in 1999 to work closely with other Ex-service Organisations eg. the RSL and the Vietnam Veterans Association, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) to seek out Indigenous veterans to make sure they are receiving any entitlements they may have as a consequence of their service."

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Image by Joshua Earle

AIATSIS

"Despite discrimination and exclusion, thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have served in the Australian Defence Forces since the 1860s and possibly earlier.  More than 1000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples served in the First World War, and more than 4000 in the Second World War. At least 300 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples served in the Vietnam War.  Record Search "

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Government

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

Community Services Links

There are approx. a total registered corporations: 3514

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Department of Defence Indigenous Pathways

"Defence is committed to increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation by offering a range of pathway programs for Indigenous Australians seeking a career in the Australian Defence Force or Australian Public Service employee."

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Aboriginal Cultural Dance

NIAA

The National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) is committed to improving the lives of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  The NIAA recognises that each community is unique. Our team includes people across Australia who work closely with communities to make sure policies, programs and services address these unique needs."

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Sunset Martial Arts
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13YARN [Thirteen YARN] is the first national crisis support line for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. 13YARN offers a confidential one-on-one yarning opportunity with a Lifeline-trained Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter who can provide crisis support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

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NACCHO

"The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) is the national leadership body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health in Australia. Find an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) or Affiliate near you."

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Health Direct

"Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and mental health.  Things that are known to protect the strength and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are being connected to community, land, culture, spirituality and ancestry, and having a sense of belonging.  It’s important to look after social and emotional wellbeing."

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APPS to link to:

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MindSpot Indigenous Wellbeing Course

The Indigenous Wellbeing Course is designed to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 18 years and over to learn to manage mild, moderate and severe symptoms of depression and anxiety.

The Indigenous Wellbeing Course aims to support you to gain better control over your symptoms by learning core skills that will improve your confidence, and help you get back to living a full and satisfying life. 

AODconnect app

AODconnect is a national directory of alcohol and other drug treatment services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The app was created for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander alcohol and other drug (AOD) workforce or any health professional working in the AOD sector looking for a culturally appropriate service.

It helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to find culturally appropriate support for alcohol and other drug issues.

iBobbly Indigenous Wellbeing App

A social and emotional wellbeing self-help app for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples aged 15 years and over.

iBobbly is specifically designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who:

 

  • are aged 15 years and older

  • are feeling sad and down

  • might be having thoughts of hurting yourself.

Portrait in Nature
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