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COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

Delivering funding where it matters.

Our 2023/24 programs are:

Ranger 4 Life delivered by ABC Foundation

 

Tom Price

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ABC Foundation has designed Ranger For Life (R4L) as a holistic program that incorporates parents/guardians, children, teachers and elders in delivery. The program works with three target groups,
(1) children currently in the school system and who are at risk of becoming disengaged, (2) children transitioning into the school system and (3) children completely disengaged and not within the school system.

 

Both parents/guardians and their children learn through an On-Country language exchange, both in written and verbal form i.e. Listening to country. Enhancing the current knowledge base through understanding the importance of good communication and interpretation of a healthy natural environment. This approach can provide the foundation for children to enter the school system and parents/guardians to feel confident and empowered to further support their children from a very early age, with generational knowledge of country.

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R4L works closely with local Primary Schools and service providers including Nintirri Inc., Ashburton Aboriginal Corporation, the respective Native Title Bodies and Tom Price health services to ensure success is delivered through a strong collaborative approach.

R4L was confirmed as an Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) Promising Program in 2018, and ABC Foundation are working towards accreditation as an evidence-based program.

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Contact: https://abcau.com.au/

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Tuning Into Kids delivered by Karratha Central Healthcare

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Karratha

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Tuning in to Kids® (TIK) is an AIFS-approved evidence-based parenting program that aims to give parents and caregivers helpful ways of teaching their child the skills of emotional intelligence. The program teaches “emotion coaching”, which is to recognise, understand and respond to children’s emotions in an accepting, supportive way. This approach nurtures a positive parent-child relationship and helps parents and caregivers support children to understand and manage their emotions.

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The TIK program focuses on a number of central skills that assist people to respond to emotions in themselves and others, which include not only understanding those emotions, but being able to regulate and use those emotions in a positive way.

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The program builds on the strengths that parents already have. It recognises that every family is unique and that parents/carers know their children best. The program encourages them to use the ideas from the TIK programs that best work for them and their family.

Karratha Central Healthcare will deliver one cycle of the program for fathers/male caregivers, a specific adaptation of TIK.

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Contact: info@karrathahealthcare.org.au 

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West Pilbara Wellbeing Program delivered by Karratha Central Healthcare

Karratha schools

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The West Pilbara Wellbeing Program actively targets the promotion of good mental health and the reduction of risk for adverse mental health conditions. The program centres on a skill-building approach with a focal point of developing student’s resilience and social emotional skills to reduce their risk of anxiety, depression, suicidality and substance abuse behaviours. These mental health problems are of prevalence and concern in regional and rural Western Australia. To reduce the level of disease burden of mental health conditions and the rate of deaths caused by suicide, further investment is needed to implement greater prevention and mental health promotion programs.

 

The program is delivered from a trauma-informed care perspective and includes information and training on trauma response and care for teachers. Year Four children will be the focus of this program initially as research identifies that there is strong social and emotional growth and development at this age.

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WPWP was originally developed in response to education provider and caregiver feedback, citing limited, accessible positive mental health programs for children in our communities. WPWP continues to contribute to the development of strong child-friendly communities that understand the importance of children through direct capacity building to help empower their own influence over their general and mental health, wellbeing and early development at the local level.

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In addition to direct delivery to the target cohort, professional development is also provided to the teaching and chaplaincy team before and after each program, to strengthen and reinforce consistency of language and approach and ensure positive alignment with school values and curricula.

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Contact: info@karrathahealthcare.org.au 

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Holyoake DRUMBEAT delivered by Karratha Community House

Karratha and Dampier schools

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Holyoake DRUMBEAT (Discovering Relationships Using Music Beliefs Emotions Attitudes & Thoughts) incorporates hand drumming, behavioural therapeutic principles and cognitive and dialectical elements to achieve positive outcomes.

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Holyoake DRUMBEAT is an AIFS-approved evidence-based program. It is based on documented research that identifies key issues
related to health and social outcomes. It also incorporates recent development in neurological research which notes the beneficial impact of rhythmic interventions on primal brain systems associated with anxiety and emotional control.

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The program is proved to lead to a range of improvements for participants, including increased mental wellbeing, knowledge and understanding of relationship issues, reduction in antisocial behaviour and school absenteeism, and increased empathy.

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Karratha Community House will deliver Holyoake DRUMBEAT in two schools each term, with participation via nomination from teachers. This year, Karratha Community House will introduce a DRUMBEAT program for toddlers and their parent/caregiver. 

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Information and enquiries:

https://karrathacommunityhouse.org.au/programs/holyoake-drumbeat/

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Parent-Child Mother Goose delivered by Karratha Community House

Karratha

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Parent-Child Mother Goose (PCMG) is an AIFS-approved evidence-based program that strengthens attachment and interaction between parents or caregivers and their young children by introducing them to the pleasure and power of using rhymes, songs and stories together.

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Through the program, parents and caregivers gain skills and confidence that help them create positive family patterns during their children's crucial early years. At the same time, children benefit from enjoyable, healthy early experiences with language and communication.

 

Parent-Child Mother Goose is particularly suitable for parents and caregivers who need extra support because of their own personal or social circumstances, or because their children have special needs or are otherwise at risk.

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An extensive body of research shows that PCMG programs:

  • Promote attachment between parents or caregivers and their young children

  • Aid the language development of young children

  • Help to reduce stress associated with being a parent or caregiver of a young child

  • Put parents in touch with other parents (thus helping them to form new friendships)

  • Connect parents and caregiver with useful resources in their own community

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Information and registration: 

https://karrathacommunityhouse.org.au/programs/parent-child-mother-goose-family-time/

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Circle of Security Parenting delivered by Karratha Women's Place and Connect Paediatric Therapy Services

Karratha, Dampier, Wickham

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The Circle of Security Parenting Program (COSP) is an AIFS-approved evidence-based parenting program aimed at assisting and supporting young and/or vulnerable families to reflect, learn and apply healthier attachment patterns.

 

Each COSP program is delivered by 2 trained COSP facilitators plus clinical supervision for the facilitators. Attendees must attend the 6 sessions. Each week participants are led through videos, reflective questioning, facilitated conversations and given program resources to allow for all learning styles and cultural backgrounds. 

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With over 60 years of research behind it, the Circle of Security model is used internationally both within community and clinical settings. KWP and Connect aim to deliver a program that will bring "at risk" and vulnerable parents/caregivers together creating opportunities to open family systems. Just as the adults provide the 'Safe Haven', safety, love and care to their children, there are times when parents/caregivers require support and self-care themselves. The development of connections to others, community and broader services are vital for these individuals and participation in the program will facilitate opportunities for parents to meet and develop
networks.

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Information and registration: 

https://connectpts.com.au/programs/

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Supported to Thrive in Early Parenthood  (STEP) Program delivered by Milk & Kindness

Dampier

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The STEP program is a stand-alone Pilbara-based parent group designed and facilitated by Natalie Gray from Milk & Kindness. STEP is a 6-week program offered to expectant and new parents with infants aged from birth to 6 months. This FPM is founded upon a respect for and encouragement of the expertise and self-determination of parents. Participants are encouraged to commence the program by 'starting together' on week one and attend as many sessions as possible, to foster social connection and a secure and intimate space for sharing and reflecting on pregnancy, birth and parenting experiences.

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The weekly 2-hour sessions include a parent-led/surveyed topic researched and facilitated by Natalie Gray and other local health care professionals as guest speakers. There is then an opportunity for an informal Q & A followed by a morning tea. 

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The STEP program provides evidence-based education and resources for parents that focus on infant behaviour and development; attachment theory; infant feeding cues; age-appropriate infant sleep requirements and capabilities; safety and injury prevention; sensitive positive parenting strategies and neuroprotective developmental care of the infant. There is a
strong focus on Matrescence and mental health with parent well being strategies that recognise the importance of parental self-care whilst promoting maternal and paternal self-efficacy and wellbeing with evidence-based resources and support that build capacity during this significant period of family transition.

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Information and registration: nat@milkandkindness.com.au

Healing Hearts = Strong Kids delivered by
One Tree Community Services

Across the West Pilbara

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The Healing Hearts = Strong Kids program is a series of six interactive sessions, delivered face to face to adults in communities by One Tree Community Service (OTCS) Family Information Support
and Help (FISH) service. This program was developed initially in response to the high burn-out levels being seen nationally in the early childhood education and care sector. This burn out is related to many external pressures and circumstances. However, lack of strong mentorship and high-quality training, and time for investment in professional development for staff is resulting in educators not having the skills and knowledge to support children to overcome behaviours as a result of trauma. These children are labelled as ‘naughty’, and without proper intervention their behaviours can have
broad impact across rooms and services. These children require simple strategies applied consistently, and properly skilled staff to support them to thrive. 

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The program promotes healthy families and communities through the delivery of no blame no shame information, designed to support adults recognise and respond to children affected by trauma, using a Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) approach. Completion of the program will build capacity of adults to identify and be equipped with resources, responses, & the understanding to support the impact exposure to trauma has on children and their behaviours. Tailored to the unique needs of each community, the non-judgemental approach shares examples and invites discussion on how to positively support children and gives examples of how adults and children can promote wellbeing together.

 

Enquiries: information@onetree.org.au

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3A Family Fridays delivered by Swans Onslow

Onslow

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The Abecedarian Approach Australia (3A) is a set of practical, evidence-based teaching and learning strategies that enhance the quality of interactions with young children and support child
development and learning. It is proven to have a positive impact on child, educator and family outcomes, with lasting change in children’s lives both before and after they start school. Since 1972, the Abecedarian Approach has been used successfully in centre-based care, home visiting programs, family day care homes, and public school pre-K settings. Today, the Abecedarian Approach is recognised as an evidence-based, proven program that integrates basic principles of human learning and development into a fun, affordable, and effective approach to early childhood education.

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Swans Onslow's 3A Family Fridays incorporates the Abecedarian Approach into an informal weekly session for parents/carers and children led by early childhood professionals. 

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Swans Onslow has incorporated the Abecedarian Approach into its other programs, and it also forms the basis of the Early Learning Program at Onslow School, meaning the community is benefitting from a coordinated approach and use of pedagogical language.

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Timetable: https://www.facebook.com/swansonslow/

Contact: onslow@swandistrictsfc.com

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Homework Club delivered by Swans Onslow

 

Onslow

 

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Swans Homework Club is a safe and supportive environment where all school-aged children are welcome to attend to complete their homework, seek support with concepts they may be struggling with, as well as to provide a space to help families with strategies, activities and techniques to assist them in supporting their children with homework at home.

 

The weekly sessions are attended and led by Swans staff and provide not only the opportunity to complete any school work, but also explore subjects in different ways through structured activities from Swans. These can also be in the form of educational games that keep engagement with education high amongst students.

 

Homework Club is held at Onslow School and parents and teachers are encouraged to attend. This allows a great opportunity for both to "cross the line" from being the teacher/parent, and be more of a mentor, exploring school work alongside students in a dedicated safe and productive environment.

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Timetable: https://www.facebook.com/swansonslow/

Contact: onslow@swandistrictsfc.com

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Sports Fundamentals delivered by Swans Onslow

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Onslow

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The Sports Fundamentals program encourages early years children to develop their fundamental movement skills (FMS) in a fun and safe environment with the use of Australian Rules Football (AFL), basketball, soccer, touch, cricket and multi-sports equipment.

 

The program uses sport to encourage a young person's development through play, sport, teamwork and listening. The process is supported by parents in a one-on-one capacity to aid and support their child's learning. Active young people exposed to FMS-based programs have shown that exposure and mentoring in the 12 skills of balancing, running, jumping, catching, hopping, throwing, galloping, skipping, leaping, and kicking will set up healthy habits for life. These skills are the “building blocks” for more complex and specialized balance, locomotor, and ball skills which children require throughout their lives to participate in different games, sports, and recreational activities.

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Confidence-building within children of the 1–4-year range provides a good base for successful and safe transition into kindergarten as the child learns self-discipline, spatial awareness and working
as a group. Sports Fundamentals also provides parents and caregivers with new skills for monitoring and aiding in their child's development, as well as opportunities for local families to develop support networks.

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Timetable: https://www.facebook.com/swansonslow/

Contact: onslow@swandistrictsfc.com

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Roebourne safeSPACE delivered by WA PCYC

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Roebourne

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This program provides young people of Roebourne access to a safe and supportive environment to engage in positive, structured activities. The program provides an opportunity for early intervention, preventative support, meaningful and impactful engagement with the aim of diversion from anti-social behaviour. Program sessions act as a forum for young people to come together, facilitating better referral
processes and better ability to address individual and community issues.

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Each attendee is provided with a healthy and nutritious meal that has been cooked on site, plus snacks and water. Participants will also be able to take home food packs, health and hygiene packs or even a packed lunch for the next school day if they wish. Transport is provided to return young people home at the end of sessions to ensure their safety and wellbeing and reduce opportunities for anti-social behaviour.

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Protective Behaviours & Zones of Regulation frameworks support development of personal safety skills, contributing to reducing violence & abuse in the community, provide common language to support positive mental health & serve as an inclusion strategy.

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The program operates on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights.

  • Wednesday: safeSISTAS – Targeted program for girls aged 6-11 years

  • Thursday: strongBOYS – Targeted program for boys aged 6-11 years

  • Friday: Drop-in session, all children aged 6-17 years

 

Information and enquiries: 
http
s://www.wapcyc.com.au/centre/roebourne  

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Ready, Set, Learn delivered by Wickham Playgroup

 

Wickham 

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Ready, Set, Learn is a Pre-Kindy program for children aged between 3 and 4 in Wickham and surrounding communities. The goal of the program is to prepare children and their parents for their entry into school, and to assist and prepare children in developing their independence and creativity by offering interesting and fun activities that are developmentally appropriate in a structured format. It is so important to allow our children to be confident in their surroundings, be able to separate from parents/guardians and learn to take simple instructions from other adults. 

 

Each child attending the program will be able to gain/ develop basic introduction to letter recognition and penmanship if a child is ready and showing interest, fine and gross motor skills, social skills, independence, imagination, creativity and basic craft skills. The
children engage in lots of play based learning activities to make it a fun environment to learn, gain independence as well as build friendships with peers in a fun stimulating environment.

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Information and enquiries: 

https://www.facebook.com/wickhamplaygroupinc/

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