First Nations Social and Emotional Wellbeing Grants

About the grants

The First Nations Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) Program provides funding to First Nations providers to deliver a suite of trauma-informed programs to strengthen social, cultural, educational, and vocational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people experiencing vulnerability.

Grants up to $400,000 were available for initiatives that demonstrated programs co-designed with local leadership to improve mental health and social emotional wellbeing outcomes, reduce harm and increase safety associated with alcohol and other drug (AOD) use, and reduce rates of suicide in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

The First Nations SEWB Program is a collaborative initiative as part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the:

• Queensland Mental Health Commission
• Department of Women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism.

Assessment

An expert panel, including departmental and inter-agency representatives and community leaders, reviewed proposals against the fact sheet and funding guidelines in accordance with the following key criteria:

• alignment to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and commitment to the principles of self-determination and local decision-making, demonstrated by evidence of support and ongoing engagement of local leaders in delivery (e.g. through support letters, governance structure, workforce)
• robust planning, design, and governance mechanisms
• organisational capability and capacity to deliver high quality initiatives within agreed timeframes to meet appropriate reporting requirements
• evidence based initiatives with measurable outcomes
• program sustainability
• project leadership by a suitable community-based organisation and implementation by a majority community-based workforce
• for fly in-fly out organisations, demonstrated commitment to building local workforce capacity and transitioning to a local service provider in the medium to long term.

List of 2025–27 grant recipients

Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council: The Future is in Your Hands

To engage young people and enhance their mental health, and social and emotional wellbeing through a range of activities including forming a partnership with Deadly Choices and developing a youth strategy with Kowanyama’s young people.

Pormpur Paanthu Aboriginal Corporation: Thrive Together

To deliver the ‘Thrive Together: PPAC Social and Emotional Wellbeing Initiative’ offering individuals and families in Pormpuraaw culturally sensitive mental health support and counselling services.

Gunya Meta: Healing Spirit Together

A culturally sensitive trauma-informed program where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members of the Logan community can identify, explore, and begin the healing process of intergenerational trauma.

Central West Aboriginal Corporation: Central Connection Program

Aims to promote mental health, resilience, and social and emotional well-being by engaging young people in activities connected with animals, nature, arts and crafts, and physical activity that strengthen their connection to culture, country, and community, and promote the development of practical and vocational skills.

Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council: Cherbourg Stronger, Healthier Together

To deliver the Cherbourg Stronger, Healthier Together project to assist young people to find meaningful work in community that connects them to community, culture, and country.

Wujal Wujal Justice Group Indigenous Inc.: Healing On Country Program

To support the ‘Healing on Country’ program by providing local young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples culturally safe opportunities for healing trauma including traditional hunting and gathering, storytelling and camping.

Bidgerdii Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Corporation Community Health Service: Nurturing Spirits Social and Emotional Wellbeing Program

To improve mental health and wellbeing outcomes by integrating contemporary health care with traditional practices through the provision of culturally adaptive alcohol and other drug education, health promotion strategies, yarning circles, and a transition to adulthood program.

Galangoor Duwulami Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation: Bawa Marigurim Gambay (Stand Up Strong Together)

To provide comprehensive health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members through: clinically and culturally appropriate interventions; coordinated treatment and referral pathways; cultural training; and investment in workforce and community development.

Gallang Place Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Corporation: Culturally Safe Therapeutic Programs

Aims to address trans-generational trauma and its effect on First Nations young people who have experienced vulnerability and adverse childhood experiences, placing them at risk of suicidal ideation, substance misuse and incarceration.

Inala Wangarra Inc.: Strong Mob Inala

To establish and enhance connection to country, culture, and community; improve mental health and wellbeing; build emotional regulation and resilience; and strengthen through community capacity. Community leadership and capability will be strengthened through consultation, therapeutic intervention, linkages and partnerships, professional development, and on country cultural camps.

Kambu Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation for Health: Social Health Program

To enhance the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people involved in the youth justice and out-of-home care systems through tailored, trauma informed services, including case management, targeted referrals, group support, and a ‘Youth Cultural Mentoring Program’.

Contact us

For more information, please email ctgpm@dwatsipm.qld.gov.au.