At the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence (NCIE), our work is embedded in the communities of Redfern, Waterloo, Erskineville, and Alexandria, with a primary focus on the wellbeing of our children and youth. We are dedicated to fostering a sense of belonging while supporting their social, emotional, and physical health. Our approach emphasises trust and strengthens cultural bonds within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, creating a collaborative and inclusive environment. By addressing gaps in service delivery, we aim to close the disparity gap through culturally safe programs and support services that promote cultural safety and connectedness, leading to improved success and mental health outcomes for our Indigenous communities.
Key programs at NCIE include the Young, Fit, and Deadly program, an afterschool initiative offered three days a week for children aged 6-16, featuring physical activities and a healthy meal to foster overall wellbeing. Another significant initiative is Friday Night Live, a monthly social event for youth aged 12-18, centered around connection and kinship. This event provides full access to NCIE facilities and features an informal yet structured environment with a family-style atmosphere, including a meal and a yarning circle.
Furthermore, Youth mental health is a priority at NCIE as we acknowledge the importance of reconciliation and its relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Our initiatives aim to guide young people towards optimal mental health as they transition into adulthood, recognising that mental health is part of a young person’s whole-of-life experience. Therefore, we emphasise the importance of culturally meaningful social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) early intervention services and strive to improve accessibility to mental health services by providing accurate information to help Aboriginal children and youth understand how to access support, developing person-centered care, and better understanding the necessary support when navigating mental health systems