Our goal has always been to serve as a cornerstone of health and wellbeing in our community, offering Aboriginal health services to families in Geelong and the surrounding regions. Our services are designed to address not only physical health, but also the social, emotional, and cultural needs of our community. Read on as we explore each service and how it uplifts Aboriginal families to build stronger, healthier communities.

Culturally appropriate medical services

At Wathaurong, holistic Aboriginal health services are available to the community through a dedicated team, including GPs who offer culturally safe consultations and Aboriginal Health Practitioners who focus on both clinic and community care, offering services like annual Aboriginal Health Assessments. Nurses provide in-clinic treatments, while visiting specialists, like paediatricians, endocrinologists, and diabetic nurses offer specialised support. Psychologists and counsellors are also available to support the mental and emotional wellbeing of our community. Our approach to medical services is designed to be respectful and accessible to the whole community.

Support for mental and emotional wellbeing

Our commitment to social and emotional wellbeing is at the heart of our holistic health services, which extend beyond traditional mental health to include family, kinship, and community bonds, which are deeply rooted in our Aboriginal culture. 

Through counselling, drug and alcohol support, and psychology services, our people receive individualised care to address personal struggles and mental health needs. The Bringing Them Home program provides dedicated support for Stolen Generation members, helping with healing and reconnecting, while cultural mentoring and community engagement foster strong cultural identity and social connection. Together, these services empower our people to set achievable wellness and recovery goals, access vital resources, and connect to broader networks for holistic support on their path to recovery and wellbeing.

We recognise that mental and emotional health is integral to overall wellbeing, which is why everything we offer is culturally appropriate and aimed specifically at supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals and families.

Maternal and child health services

Our holistic approach to health includes maternal and child-focused services that support mothers of Aboriginal children through every stage of early development. Our programs are designed specifically for Aboriginal families to address most needs during pregnancy, birth, and early childhood, including post-natal care, early childhood education, and parenting support. Our Koorie Maternity Services (KMS) program and Maternal Child Health (MCH) program work hand in hand to deliver the best care for mums and bubs.

This program extends well beyond basic healthcare, providing new mothers with support systems, resources, and education to help them navigate the early stages of motherhood, as well as access to professional and caring nurses.  By offering culturally safe maternal care, we empower our mothers to raise healthy children in environments that honour family and community traditions.

Family Services and child welfare

Our family services team is committed to strengthening and supporting Aboriginal families by helping them overcome domestic challenges and achieve stability. Through the Integrated Family Services program, which partners with local Geelong organisations, we assist families with children aged 0-18 who face challenges like parenting capacity issues, mental health concerns, or family violence. This program aims to ensure the safety, stability, and development of children, with a strong emphasis on cultural understanding and respect.

We also offer culturally informed family violence support, which recognises the unique sensitivities faced by Aboriginal families. For instance, some families affected by the Stolen Generation experience challenges with mainstream parenting norms, while Aboriginal women may also hesitate to report violence due to concerns about privacy and potential repercussions. Our goal is to offer effective and appropriate help to all. 

Lastly, the Mingo Waloom Best Start program, funded by the Department of Education and Training, fosters early childhood development and is designed to encourage positive, sustainable outcomes for Aboriginal children in early education. The program achieves this by uniting professionals to run community-led initiatives that prioritise the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.

Youth Engagement and Support Programs

Young people are the future of our community, so we provide programs specifically designed to engage Aboriginal youth in positive and constructive ways. These programs offer mentorship, recreational activities, and opportunities for young people to learn about our culture, heritage, and language, reinforcing their sense of pride and identity.

Our youth support team provides resources and guidance that help young people make positive life choices. Whether through educational support, skills training, or community service projects, we’re here to help young people build resilience, leadership skills, and a deeper connection to their community and traditions.

A holistic path to health 

Our approach to health is a lifeline for many Aboriginal families, giving them holistic, culturally relevant services that honour tradition while meeting their physical, mental and emotional needs, encouraging healthy, resilient communities where every member can thrive.Our goal is to be a beacon of hope, healing, and empowerment through Aboriginal health services. To learn more about what we offer or to get involved, visit the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative website or get in touch with us today.