Kwaba Bidi to expand into Bindjareb Region with new family support service

An Aboriginal community driven program is set to expand its reach to the Bindjareb region for the first time.

Kwaba Bidi, the Child & Family Services division of the South West Aboriginal Medical Service (SWAMS), has been announced as the preferred provider for the Bindjareb Support Network by the Department of Communities.

The Bindjareb Support Network will provide help to families who need support from a range of service providers, from health to housing, food to finance and everything in between.

SWAMS Acting CEO Matt Harbisher welcomed the announcement.

“We know that Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) are best placed in improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” he said.

“By ensuring these services are delivered by an ACCO, we can provide culturally appropriate care that respects our values, traditions, and ways of knowing.”

The new service will assist families living in the region, alongside young people aged 18 to 25 with past care experience.

Kwaba Bidi already operates the Support Network service in the South West, with Mr Harbisher stating one of the key objectives in the Bindjareb region will be removing barriers to getting support.

“One of the successes we have had in the South West is having staff working in those smaller communities outside Bunbury, so families do not need to travel to get the help they need,” he said.

“We will be seeking to replicate that here in the Bindjareb region, with staff members regularly available in Pinjarra, Waroona and Boddington alongside our main hub in Mandurah.”

The Bindjareb Support Network is expected to officially launch later this year.

To learn more about Kwaba Bidi, visit www.kwababidi.com.au, the Kwaba Bidi Facebook page or call us on 1300 550 986.