News coverage about ATSISPEP and in Indigenous Suicide issues.
2016
2015
December
- Christmas - A stressful time for many
ATSISPEP national senior consultant, Adele Cox, warns of the elevated risks of suicide ideation and suicide during the festive period. December 15, 2015, CAAMA Radio.
- Suicide prevention team says holiday season is high-risk time
ATSISPEP national senior consultant, Adele Cox describes the need for an onus on postvention. Ms Cox describes a critical response postvention model enabled by the ATSISPEP. ABC Goldfields, December 17, 2015, Journalist, Nathan Morris.
- Christmas period? A vulnerable time
ABC Weekend Breakfast News - Saturday 12, December 2015. Journalists Miriam Corowa and Richard Davies interview Gerry Georgatos on the elevated risks of high psychological distresses and suicidal ideation particularly for the homeless and those who have lost a family member in the last year.
- Lost in the great desert
ATSISPEP's Gerry Georgatos states that greater commitments are required by governments if the suicide rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are to be significantly reduced. He said that gains will be made when Aboriginal-specific mental health plans are introduced and comprehensively implemented. The West Australian newspaper - Health and Medicine section, journalist Marnie McKimmie, December 9, 2015.
October
- Using the bush to improve Indigenous mental health
Professor Pat Dudgeon stated that many individuals presenting with mental health issues could be best served with early intervention and prevention services. This article explores the benefits of services where people reconnect with nature.
- Gerry Georgatos speaks out on Aboriginal suicide
Journalist Lorena Walker, CAAMA Radio, 16 July 2015. CAAMA Radio coverage of the ATSISEP and suicide prevention and of the underlying factors to the suicide crisis. Lorena Walker interviews Gerry Georgatos.
September
- The Issue: Suicide Prevention
ABC Sunday Nights, interview. Suicide prevention experts, including the ATSISPEP's Adele Cox, to discuss the contributing and risk factors - and the taboos. They also discuss access to services.
- Suicide - a catastrophic humanitarian crisis
ABC News 24 coverage – The ATSISPEP's Gerry Georgatos interviewed on the suicide crisis among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. He states that the suicides rates are among the world's highest and that the crisis will worsen unless there is an adequate response, holistically.
- Take opportunity now to prevent Indigenous suicide
There are rare moments when governments have an opportunity to work together and take bold actions that will save lives. Right now, there is a chance to do just that through a new, national approach to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suicide prevention.
- Aboriginal suicide rates soar
Professor Pat Dudgeon reports on the high suicide rates in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities prior to World Suicide Prevention Day.
- Professors Pat Dudgeon and Tom Calma call for national inquiry
As joint head of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Evaluation Project (ATSISPEP), Professor Calma is urging the government to develop a multi-party platform to end decades of limited progress for Indigenous affairs, particularly around high suicide rates.
July
- Mother takes her own life after losing beloved son
The Australian: Coverage of the heartbreak suicides of a mother and son, nine months apart. In October 2014, an 11-year-old Aboriginal boy highlighted a spate of Indigenous suicides in Western Australia's north that has given the region one of the highest suicide rates in the world.
- Suicide prevention plan by Indigenous leaders
ABC Radio AM: Indigenous leaders met in Canberra to discuss a national action plan to respond to suicides.
- Indigenous leaders advocate for new close the gap targets
ABC Radio PM: ‘We need to get away from blaming the victim and instead look at what are some of the causal factors on why people's behaviours are like they are, particularly to poverty and people?s lack of self-esteem and self-worth.’
- Adele Cox calls for funding regime changes
CAAMA Radio: Suicide prevention researcher, Adele Cox calls for Governments to improve funding levels to remote community suicide prevention programs.
- The Guardian: ?We have not done enough to curb Indigenous suicides?
Psychologist Pat Dudgeon warned the suicide rate would not go down unless Indigenous people were given ?agency over their lives?.
- Indigenous suicide rates at crisis levels
ABC Radio AM coverage: Three Federal Government ministers held a roundtable meeting with Indigenous leaders to discuss urgent mental health support for Aboriginal communities.
- Local communities beating back suicide
AAP coverage of the ATSISPEP?s Darwin roundtable: ‘In some communities, Indigenous people are taking their lives at more than eight times the national average, including children as young as nine.’
- Indigenous suicide a ‘humanitarian crisis?’
AAP coverage of the ATSISPEP?' Darwin roundtable: ‘The Northern Territory and Western Australia have some of the highest median wages in the world but also of the some highest rates of poverty.’
- Indigenous suicide rate 12th highest in the world
Indigenous Australia would have the 12th-highest suicide rate if it was ranked alongside the world's sovereign states. With a suicide rate of 20.1 per 100,000, it would fall just behind India (21.1 per 100,000) and ahead of South Sudan (19.8 per 100,000) in the United Nations' global rankings for worst suicide rate, according to a Fairfax Media analysis.
- Suicide Story
The Mental Health Association of Central Australia, based out of Alice Springs, works with Aboriginal Mental Health workers to develop and deliver resources and training programs. One program delivered to eight remote Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory provided an Indigenous specific training resource to develop a better understanding of suicide and the skills necessary to intervene when someone is at risk. The program is delivered by local Indigenous facilitators and maintains an Aboriginal Advisory group for cultural safety and program integrity.
- National Mental Health Commission
The National Mental Health visited the Galiwin'ku community in Arnhem Land and were so impressed by the community-led mental health teams success that they have shown interest in using the model as a case study for best practice across the country.
- Arnhem Land community-driven mental health program being used as case study for rest of country
Professor Pat Dudgeon was one of the National Mental Health Commissioners visiting Elcho Island and the Galiwin'ku team who deliver a disaster response to the community following cyclones. Professor Dudgeon said the Galiwin'ku program could be used as a case study for best practice, as it is an appropriate disaster response model, that is culturally appropriate, working in both Western and traditional knowledges with excellent client care.
- Also see the ABC television report.
June
- Youth suicide at crisis levels
ABC coverage of the high youth suicide rate in Queensland: Responders and counsellors state there is an under resourcing for prevention services to be effective.
- Galiwin'ku, a case study for all
CAAMA Radio: Coverage of the National Mental Health visit to Galiwin'ku community in Arnhem Land.
April
- ABC News: Mackay youth suicide rate sparks call for more prevention support to help kids reach out for help
Mackay youth suicide rate sparks call for more prevention support to help kids reach out for help. An Indigenous health worker says the high rate of youth suicide in the Mackay region in north Queensland is something the whole community needs be concerned about.
January
- The Stringer: Shame Job Australia “they came through the gate with my boy's body more than six hours later”
The emotive article relates the tragic circumstances of the suicide of a young Aboriginal man, Cody Carter, near Wungu, in the remote Kimberley region of WA earlier this month. The death was particularly tragic for the time it took authorities to reach the victim's family that were isolated by heavy monsoonal rains. The family maintained an 18 hour vigil over their son and, when authorities did arrive, they evacuated only the victim. The family was eventually evacuated by relatives who drove for many hours on flooded roads to assist.
The article questions the response of authorities and asks if the response times would have been the same if the victim was non-Indigenous.
- The Newcastle Herald: Opinion – Preventive action on suicide needed
This is an opinion piece by the Director of the Hunter Institute for Mental Health, Jaelea Skehan, about the ‘Light the Way National Coalition for Suicide Prevention’ and the visit to Australia of renowned US researcher Dr Morton Silverman.
The article notes the World Health Organisation's 2014 call for all governments to develop suicide prevention strategies and the need for action by everyone – governments, health services, community services, communities and individuals. The author challenges us all to get involved to support these efforts.
2014
December
- The Stringer: Christmas, a period of vulnerability for many
The article notes that Christmas is historically a time of increased rates of suicide and recommends that people should look out for each other at this time of year.
The article notes the higher rates of suicide for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and includes commentary and advice from respected Aboriginal leaders, Ms Adele Cox and Professor Pat Dudgeon. Both women are part of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Evaluation Project now being undertaken by the School of Indigenous Studies at the University of Western Australia.
Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association: Self-harm researcher calls for funding changes to achieve best possible results in communities!
The story reports comments by Adele Cox, a leading Australian researcher in Aboriginal youth self-harm and suicide and a consultant on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Evaluation Project, in which she indicates that governments may need to reassess and make changes to some funded services to ensure that they are effective in tackling the high rates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suicides.
- National Indigenous Radio Service: Experts warn of suicide risk during Christmas
The report notes that Christmas is historically a time of increased suicides and urges community members to watch out for each other. The report quotes Professor Pat Dudgeon who urges individuals to stay within their budgets and take time out with families at this time of the year.
- The Stringer: ‘It is racism killing our people? suicides born of racism’
The article highlights the high rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suicides by focusing on the recent tragic suicide of Philinka Powdrill, an 18 year old Kimberley woman who had just graduated from Wesley College in Melbourne.
The article asserts that racism is at the root of the high Indigenous suicide rates; recognises the need to build resilience amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; and calls for a bipartisan approach by governments to tackling this issue which, it claims, should be the highest priority of government.
November
- ABC news: Community-led programs the key to reducing Indigenous suicide, experts say
The report notes the tragic suicide of an 11 year old Aboriginal boy in Geraldton and includes interviews with two prominent Indigenous leaders: Mr Ian Trust, founding Chairman of the Wunan Foundation and Professor Pat Dudgeon, a national leader in Indigenous mental health and suicide prevention research.
Mr Trust calls for community-led suicide prevention programs that tackle the complex reasons for Indigenous mental health and poverty and notes that 60-70% of the Kimberley population is welfare dependent. Professor Dudgeon notes the cultural differences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the importance of community ownership and refers to recent research from Canada that highlights the importance of self-determination and cultural reclamation.
National Indigenous Radio Service: Dudgeon hopes reports parks action on mental health
The article comments on the release of the Productivity Commission report that finds that the mental health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is getting worse.
The article reports that Professor Pat Dudgeon, an Aboriginal national mental health commissioner, has called for the implementation of the ‘National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Strategy’ and a multi-layered approach to tackling mental health issues.
- The Stringer: Gerry Georgatos views on the OID (Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage) Report
- NRIS Radio: Pat Dudgeon hopes report sparks action on mental health
- The Guardian: Indigenous suicide Prevention should focus on cultural reconnection.
- Prof. Pat Dudgeon on ABC Radio PM: Community-led programs the key to reducing Indigenous suicide
October
- The Stringer: Yiriman,saving lives in the midst of the Kimberley's suicide crises
The article reports on the high rates of suicide amongst the Aboriginal population of WA?s Kimberley region. It notes the link between poverty and suicide and suggests that 1 in 24 Aboriginal deaths in the region are the result of suicide.
The article highlights the importance of connection to culture and country in building resilience amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and reports on the success of the local Yiriman Project in tackling suicide in the region. It adopts a holistic approach covering prevention, intervention and post-intervention services.
The article reports the key findings of Murdoch University's Professor Dave Palmer who evaluated the Yiriman Project in 2013 and also includes commentary from Professor Mick Dodson.
- ABC news: Aboriginal deaths in custody bring focus to disturbing rate of imprisonment
The report notes two more recent deaths of Aboriginal people in custody and focusses attention on the disturbing rates of Indigenous incarceration, particularly in Western Australia, where one in every 13 adult males are in prison.
The report includes comments from the WA Corrective Services Minister,Mr Joe Francis, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Mr Mick Gooda.
There have been 340 deaths in custody since the 1991 Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody. The Royal Commission recommended that prison should be a last resort but many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to be imprisoned for the non-payment of fines and other minor infringements. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up 2.5% of the Australian population but up to 26% of the prison population.
The Stringer: Kimberley suicide rate, one of the world?s highest? Yiriman is the way to go
The article reports on the high rates of suicide amongst the Aboriginal population of WA's Kimberley region. It notes the link between poverty and suicide and suggests that 1 in 24 Aboriginal deaths in the region are the result of suicide.
The article highlights the importance of connection to culture and country in building resilience amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and reports on the success of the local Yiriman Project in tackling suicide in the region. It adopts a holistic approach covering prevention, intervention and post-intervention services.
The article also relates the author's experience of talking with Aboriginal people from across the Kimberley region and relays their views of what is needed to help address the unacceptably high rates of suicide in the region.
September
The Stringer: New project offers hope to reduce Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suicides
The article reports on the Australian Government?s decision to fund the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Evaluation Project to be undertaken by the School of Indigenous Studies at the University of Western Australia, in conjunction with the Telethon Kids Institute.
The article quotes Professor Pat Dudgeon, the Project Director, who discusses the importance of the project in developing a much needed evidence base of what suicide prevention programs work and in helping to inform the priorities for investment under the $17.8m National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Strategy.
- Medicus, Vol 54, Issue 8: Suicide trends in WA an urgent call to action
The Australian Government has recently funded the University of Western Australia (working with the Centre for Research Excellence in Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing, Telethon Kids Institute) to undertake the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Evaluation Project (ATSISPEP). This project will evaluate the effectiveness of existing suicide prevention services and programs in reducing suicide and suicide ideation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
- 98.9 Radio: ‘Let's Talk’ featuring Professor Pat Dudgeon
In the interview with Tiga Bayles on ‘Let'sTalk’ 98.9 FM, Professor Pat Dudgeon discusses Indigenous mental health issues, suicide prevention and the establishment of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Evaluation Project which is being funded by the Australian Government and undertaken by the School of Indigenous Studies at the University of Western Australia, in collaboration with the Telethon Kids Institute and The Healing Foundation. Professor Dudgeon is the project director.
- SBS news: Suicide prevention: Demolishing the ‘appalling’ rate of Indigenous suicide
The story reports on the release of the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data on Australian suicide rates. The data shows an increase in the number of suicides since 2005, differences in urban and regional suicide rates, and highlights the appalling rate of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suicides which is more than four times that of non-Indigenous Australians.
The story also reports on the announcement of Australian Government funding for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Evaluation Project.
- National Empowerment Project
Prof. Pat Dudgeon on SBS News
June
- The Stringer: Working Together – mental health and suicide prevention roundtable
The article reports on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health and Suicide Prevention round table convened in Perth on 23-24 June 2014 by Professor Pat Dudgeon. The conference brought together 50 leading experts in this area and highlighted the importance of cultural connections in building resilience amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the need for urgent funding for cultural programs.
April
- The Guardian: Indigenous suicide at ‘crisis’ numbers after youth lose their cultural identity
The article notes the high rates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suicide and refers to a recent report that draws on the experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders, developed as part of the `Culture is Life? campaign that found that a loss of cultural identify was a major factor in explaining the high rates of suicide.
The report calls for more government support for a community-centred approach to tackling Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suicide.
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