This chapter outlines the growth and development of the Djirruwang Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Worker Education and Training Program (The Djirruwang Program) in Australia. The chapter describes what can be achieved when individuals, organisations, health disciplines and Aboriginal communities work in close partnership and learn from each other. We emphasise the importance of recognising Aboriginal cultural experiences and knowledge within the mental health curriculum, and providing a culturally safe environment to facilitate effective outcomes. Importantly, it stakes a claim for Aboriginal Mental Health Workers (AMHWs) as equally significant as the professions and disciplines of psychiatry, psychology, social work, nursing and occupational therapy in addressing the social and emotional wellbeing and mental health needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The information contained on this website has been sourced by the Australian Indigenous Psychology Education Project (AIPEP) and AIPEP 2. The first AIPEP was funded by the Australian Government Office of Teaching and Learning. AIPEP 2 is part of the Transforming Indigenous Mental Health and Wellbeing Project, funded by the Million Minds Mission Grant. The views expressed in this website do not necessarily reflect the views of the Australian Government Office of Teaching and Learning or the Million Minds Mission Grant.
Several of the images used throughout this website are credited to Chris Lewis
