A NEW report led by Aboriginal voices and lived experience has been released and offers fresh hope during NAIDOC Week.
The 30-page report, Door-to-Door for Mental Health, was created by the University of Western Australia’s Centre for Social Impact and Eastern Access Community Health (EACH).
It reviewed a two-year, community-led mental health program in Cherbourg.
The findings showed that engagement in Cherbourg faced more challenges than in other areas.
Community workers – known as Aboriginal Community Connectors – also felt pressure working within their own community.
The report has been praised as a guide for delivering better services.
EACH’s Murryann Reeves said it showed what real consultation looked like and provided advice from people with firsthand experience.
“It’s a trusted cultural guide,” Ipswich-based Ms Reeves said.
“It gives a better starting point for anyone wanting to deliver services through Aboriginal-led organisations.”
She said the project’s strength came from being shaped by the community, not imposed from outside.
“Mainstream services often failed because they don’t ask the right question,” Ms Reeves said.
“But in this case, we worked with the community to create something they actually wanted.”
Ms Reeves, a Yagara woman, said each Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community was different – and success relied on local knowledge, trust and flexibility.
“These people don’t look for praise, but their impact is lasting,” she said.
“The small changes they make today shape the future – a future proud in culture, strong in unity, and led by community.”
During NAIDOC Week, she called for recognition of the quiet achievers working every day to support their communities.
“This NAIDOC Week, it’s crucial to acknowledge the silent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander achievers whose everyday actions, often unnoticed, shaped the future,” she said.
“As we reflect on this year’s theme, it’s a powerful reminder that the strength of our future lies in the heart of our people.
“The small, quiet changes made today lay the foundation of tomorrow.
“NAIDOC 2025 invites all Australians to honour these contributions and celebrate a future that will be strong in culture, driven by the spirit of those who continuously drive meaningful change.”
