Alliance Against Depression were invited to present a case study with the Shires of Murray and Waroona at the 2019 WALGA Mental Health Forum on Monday 11 November.

In early 2017 WA Primary Health Alliance partnered with both Shires to deliver a Aboriginal Mental Health program and Youth Specific engagement. This partnership was supported through community consultation.

Mid 2017, Perth South was announced as a National Suicide Prevention Trial Site (SPTS) which includes Kwinana, Rockingham, Mandurah, Murray and Waroona. Out of the 12 SPTS Perth South was the only site to focus solely on youth which provided the opportunity to continue the partnership with both Shires.

The SPTS were informed by the European Alliance Against Depression and guided by the Peel and Rockingham Kwinana Steering Group (PaRK CRSG), an existing community group. The learning from this trial allowed WA Primary Health Alliance to establish the AAD Coordination Centre and support local communities outside the SPTS since July 2019.

This presentation had us reflecting on all the initiatives out of these two communities and we are so proud of their achievements.

Shire of Murray - Completing the Cycle

The Completing the Circle project will engage with young Aboriginal people in the Shire of Murray, the Murray Aboriginal community, service providers and general practice. It will adopt a holistic approach that supports physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional wellbeing. Achieving balance in these four points of the Medicine Wheel leads to harmony and social well-being to address mental health issues.

Key initiatives include:

• Murray Community Support Hub
• Amazing Race Pinjarra
• Pinjarra Massacre Commemoration
• Mooditj Wirrin Back to Country Camp

The shire also won the Public Health Award at the 2019 Local Government Policy Awards and were finalists for two WA Mental Health Awards - Innovation for Change and Diversity.

Shire of Waroona - Baldja Program

The Shire of Waroona introduced WYLD Program, Waroona Youth Leadership Development Program "a holistic approach to Aboriginal Youth Mental Health"

Key initiatives include:

• zero2hero Sports Camp
• Youth Mental Health First Aid
• Cultural Camps
• Clontarf Workshops and Mentorships
• Monthly Engagement Activities

Waroona have had two AAD community meetings with the first meeting seeing 17 people from 10 different agencies. Great example of the local support required for a community-led initiative.

We look forward to seeing both communities moving forward and formally establishing their Alliances Against Depression.