Our Councils and
Collaborative Networks
Our Councils and Collaborative Networks promote collective excellence by enabling Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia to be an inclusive, representative voice, leader, and advocate for system-wide change to the approach to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing, mental health, and suicide prevention that significantly and sustainable reduces Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suicide rates and improves mental health.
The Councils and Collaborative Networks are vital platforms within Gayaa Dhuwi. We are calling for expressions of interest in becoming a member of one of them!
As a member, you will have a unique opportunity to:
- Influence national policy agendas in social and emotional wellbeing, mental health, and suicide prevention.
- Collaborate with leading experts and advocates.
- Drive systemic change for the betterment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
- Gain professional development experience and expand your network.
- Harness your expertise and lived experience for lasting positive impact.
Cultural Council and Clinical Council
Critical to the success of Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia’s work are two advisory councils that advise the Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia Board in relation to cultural and clinical issues and inform the work of the organisation as it pertains to social and emotional wellbeing, mental health, and suicide prevention among the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population.
Members of these councils provide expert advice to the Gayaa Dhuwi Board, ensuring a 'best of both worlds' approach that integrates cultural and clinical treatment for optimal mental health outcomes. These councils may develop practice guidelines, advocate for policy changes, and promote culturally-informed mental health service delivery.
All members are engaged in an advisory capacity to Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia. The Board reserves the right to consider all information provided and to act in the best interest of Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia.
Both Councils are made up of nine members – eight general members and one chair. It is important aspects such as gender balance (by self-identification, if at all) geographical location, and remote-urban parity are considered. However, as the Cultural Council and Clinical Council include individuals who contribute towards the collective excellence of Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia, these members should be reasonably connected across the country.
Members must be:
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
- Experienced in cultural or clinical matters
- Contribute to the balance of expertise represented by the Cultural and Clinical Councils
- Extensively networked within the Indigenous community.
Collaborative Networks
Our six collaborative networks bring together a diverse group of people, evoking rich issues-based conversations, to inform our work and create broader opportunities to network and collaborate.
These collaborative networks address critical issues relevant to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health through dynamic discussions, informing Gayaa Dhuwi in the areas of LGBTIQ+SB, Lived Experience, Stolen Generations, Workforce, Youth, and Childhood. These networks might create position statements, identify research priorities, or design community-based mental health initiatives.
The six collaborative networks are:
- LGBTIQ+SB Collaborative Network
- Lived Experience Collaborative Network
- Stolen Generations Collaborative Network
- Workforce Collaborative Network
- Youth Collaborative Network
- Childhood Collaborative Network
What's involved?
- Participation: One annual face-to-face meeting and online consultations as needed.
- Compensation: Gayaa Dhuwi offers remuneration for participation in Councils and Collaborative Networks.
Remuneration
Participants can expect to receive remuneration and assistance with travel for time spent participating in our Councils and Collaborative Networks.
If you are passionate about improving the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and committed to driving positive change in mental health, we invite you to join our Councils and Collaborative Networks. Your expertise, insights, and dedication are essential in shaping the future of mental health support in Australia.
Apply now!
To express your interest, please complete an expression of interest form.
