Suicide in Central Australia continues to have devastating impacts on Aboriginal communities, reflecting a broader national trend where Indigenous Australians are 2.5 times more likely to die by suicide than their non-Indigenous counterparts (ABS, 2022). The unique challenges facing these communities demand a specialised approach. In response, Central Australian Aboriginal Congress has been delivering the Culture Care Connect (CCC) program for over 12 months, providing aftercare services uniquely tailored to the cultural and emotional needs of Indigenous individuals in Central Australia.
This presentation, co-presented by Congress' Suicide Prevention Manager and an Indigenous Suicide Prevention Worker, highlights the importance of culturally appropriate aftercare for Indigenous communities. The CCC program, developed in collaboration with the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, is designed to offer more than just conventional aftercare—it fosters a trauma-aware, healing-informed environment that respects and integrates Indigenous traditions, community values, and cultural practices. The CCC service delivery model was developed in consultation with local communities to ensure that it is suitable for the specific cultural and social contexts of Central Australia.
The CCC program is specifically crafted to address the deep cultural sensitivities and spiritual connections essential to healing in Indigenous communities. By grounding the aftercare model in cultural practices, the program ensures that individuals feel supported in ways that align with their cultural identity. This community-led, culturally sensitive approach provides holistic care that attends to the emotional, physical, social, and spiritual well-being of individuals and families affected by suicide.
Key elements of the CCC program include assertive follow-up care, client advocacy, and referrals to essential services. Through risk assessments, goal setting, and crisis management, the program ensures a compassionate response. The CCC team links clients to psychologists, social workers, and other supports, providing care for up to three months or longer if needed. By fostering trust and continuity, CCC ensures clients have a smooth journey from crisis to recovery, offering warm handovers to mental health professionals and often attending initial appointments to support transitions.
This presentation will share frontline insights on how assertive follow-up, client advocacy, and culturally appropriate support impact individuals and families. Over the past year, CCC has provided essential support to Indigenous families during their darkest times, strengthening ties between communities and mental health services, reducing stigma, and improving outcomes. Through ongoing evaluation, CCC adapts to meet community needs, proving that culturally appropriate aftercare is vital and lifesaving, fostering healing, resilience, and hope.