Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continue to exhibit remarkable resilience despite the profound impacts of colonisation, racism, and intergenerational trauma. Alarmingly, the suicide rate among these communities is 2.3 times higher than that of other Australians, with a significant increase over recent decades (AIHW, 2020). This crisis devastates individuals and reverberates through families and entire communities. The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) emphasises that self-determination and community control are crucial to improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The Culture Care Connect (CCC) program addresses these challenges with place-based initiatives specifically tailored by integrating key components of suicide prevention alongside quality aftercare services. This comprehensive approach provides essential support for individuals and their support system.
The CCC program directly addresses the urgent need for culturally appropriate and community-driven strategies to reduce the impact of suicide and support individuals and families within the Pilbara. By aligning with Target 14 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, the program aims for a significant reduction in suicide rates among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, ultimately striving toward a goal of zero suicides.
The Culture Care Connect (CCC) program was established in the Pilbara in 2023, aiming to create a robust framework for suicide prevention in the region. The program is coordinated by the Pilbara Aboriginal Health Alliance and delivered in partnership with three Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCHOs): Mawarnkarra Health Service, Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service, and Wirraka Maya Health Service Ab The CCC program enhances collaboration among a diverse range of local stakeholders. This interconnected approach streamlines service delivery, ensuring that individuals receive the comprehensive support they need while also building a solid evidence base for person centred ongoing support and connectedness. Ultimately, the program seeks to mitigate the profound impact of suicide on individuals, families, and communities in the Pilbara.
In this presentation, we will delve into the co-design process undertaken across the Pilbara region, highlighting how the CCC program is implemented and the positive impact it can achieve. We will emphasise its community-led framework and the critical role of cultural safety in effective suicide prevention efforts. Together, we aim to create a suicide safer Pilbara region.