SMS4DeadlyDads is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dads, supporting them in their role as fathers and fathers-to-be and increases awareness of their influence on baby’s brain development.
SMS4DeadlyDads sends three short texts a week, designed especially for First Nations dads, until bub turns 1 year old. Messages include simple tips and information sent straight to your phone just when you and your baby needs it.
The messages help you to:
- connect with your bub
- support mum
- and look after yourselves
It is free and dads from all around Australia can join up
Telstra First Nations Connect is a service centre dedicated to helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander customers, respecting culture and community.
You can call them if you have any questions about your phone or internet plan.
They have support programs that can help with keeping your phone and internet connected if you find yourself in a difficult situation, such as:
Payment assistance
- Depending on your level of urgency, they have flexible options that can help keep you connected.
Lower income access
- They can keep you connected on a lower income
Domestic and family violence support
- They can help you stay safely connected
Compassionate care
- They can support you through Sorry Business
They can help if they have sold you a phone or an internet plan you did not need or did not understand, or maybe you had no money to buy those things.
If you want to speak to someone in your language, they can access interpreter services for approximately 50 different First Nations languages and dialects.
Wangka Wilurrara Transitional Accommodation Centre provides all Aboriginal people that require short term accommodation, or assistance due to transience or homelessness.
Services they provide include:
- short term Aboriginal transitional accommodation
- support to all Aboriginal people as well as safe, secure accommodation
- 24 hour supervision by staff with local cultural knowledge
- unit facilities and wiltja (tents) in the warmer months
- meals, laundry and showering facilities
- blankets, towels and pillows are provided
Types of accommodation include:
- wiltja/ campsite tents
- single or double room units
- independent living units with a kitchenette and bathroom.
Each accommodation type caters for one family group or no more than four adults
Fees and services
A daily fee, based on the type of accommodation, covers both accommodation and meals.
Customers must arrange to pay the fee through EasyPay or a similar deduction payment method - for example, directly from their wages.
Eligibility
Customers can apply or be referred to the transitional accommodation centres.
Customers are eligible if they are of Aboriginal and/ or Torres Strait Islander descent, have an independent income, and meet at least one of the below:
- they need temporary accommodation for a short term stay
- they have urgent housing needs because their current housing is unsafe or unsuitable
- they can't return to community or country.
Customers won't be allowed to stay, and may be temporarily removed from the centre, if any of the below apply:
- they have been temporarily removed from a centre
- they are subject to an intervention order or bail conditions prohibiting them from staying at a centre
- they show aggressive, violent or threatening behaviour
- they are affected by drugs or alcohol, or take drugs or alcohol with them to the Transitional Accommodation centres.
Customers who aren't eligible but have exceptional circumstances - for example, they aren't Aboriginal but have an Aboriginal partner or Aboriginal children in their custody, may be given approval to stay by the Manager of the transitional accommodation centre.
Children
Children who receive an independent income are eligible to stay at the centre without parent or guardian supervision.
Wardli-ana connects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness with mob, culture and community. The word ‘Wardli-ana’ means ‘Toward Home’ in the language of the local Kaurna people, who are the traditional owners of the Adelaide Plains. The use of the word reminds us that the land is a place of peace, care and nature.
Wardli-ana Services:
- Client led, culturally appropriate support.
- Community and housing support and services.
- Support and advocacy to access Aboriginal-specific services.
- Support to build trust and foster connection to culture.
- Support to return home to country safely.
If you are experiencing homelessness, please call Toward Home on 1800 809 273 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday or Homeless Connect SA 1800 003 308(freecall, 24/7)
Warrondi Engage and Link (WEL) Day Program is a non-residential alcohol and other drug program.
The WEL Day Program offers culturally safe support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples towards addressing substance use issues with a client-centred harm minimisation approach.
This is achieved through one-to-one counselling and case management alongside positive activities in a safe space.
Counselling and Case Management:
- Counsellors support clients towards recovery from alcohol and other drug issues through culturally appropriate individual counselling, therapeutic groups and case management, which may include advocacy and external referrals.
- They aim to work with clients and their support networks collaboratively.
Wel Day Program activities include:
- Gym twice a week
- Art classes once a week
- Music once a week
- SMART Recovery once a week
- Monthly social outings to various places (with a cultural and nature focus, beach days, bush walks and others)
Referrals:
- Self-referral
- Clients are welcome to go in for a yarn with a counsellor about joining the program or to find out more about what they offer. Walk-ins are welcome from Monday to Friday between 9am and 1pm, no booking required.
- Referral made by other workers/agencies