Red Cross is committed to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to identify how we can prevent and reduce the vulnerability confronting many Indigenous communities. Programs are running in Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory, with the collaboration of Indigenous community groups, schools, health providers, governments and corporate sponsors. From programs that work with at-risk youth in Western Australia to homeless early intervention schemes in Queensland, Red Cross provides a range of services in most state and territories that are relevant to Indigenous communities. Here are just some of the national and state-based programs that are relevant to Indigenous communities around Australia.

Image: Tim Page

Good Start Breakfast Club

Serving breakfast for school kids in areas of greatest need around Australia. This service provides nutritional support in a comforting environment and works towards encouraging children to develop social and living skills.

more about the Good Start Breakfast Club

Palm Island

Over the past three years Red Cross has worked with the people of Palm Island in Queensland to develop a broad range of services. From Good Start Breakfast Club and the Palm Island youth mentoring program, Night Cafe‚ drop-in centre and school holiday programs, to photographic workshops with iconic photojournalist Tim Page, Red Cross is responding to the emotional and social needs of the community.

Feature story: Palm Island--the art of sharing a story
Feature story: Palm Island Indigenous community and Red Cross--a youthful partnership

FOODcents

Volunteers in Western Australia offer guidance on ways to save money on food shopping, provide information on the healthy eating and teach families how to prepare and cook easy and tasty meals.

more about FOODcents and community services in WA

save-a-mate

A drug education program and first aid course for young people specifically designed for alcohol and other drug-related emergencies. It aims to reduce the harm associated with substance use, particularly with young people. A pilot progarm, Save-a-Mate Our Way, is underway with indigenous youth in Palm Island.

more about save-a-mate


Programs in South Australia

For over two years, Red Cross has been building partnerships with local communities and key agencies, to find out how Red Cross programs and training can assist in improving the lives of local people in the far North Western remote areas of South Australia; APY lands, and surrounding areas such as Coober Pedy, Oodnadatta, Port Augusta, Nepabunna, Copley and Ceduna.

more about programs in South Australia