Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples' mental health
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) recognises the unique place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia, and acknowledges their ongoing spiritual and cultural custodianship of their lands.
The RANZCP also recognises the right for all Australians to experience good mental health, and seeks to redress the inequities in health experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through a variety of initiatives.
This page brings together resources to support the work of health professionals in improving knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health issues.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Committee
The RANZCP's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Committee is composed of psychiatrists who have direct experience working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health, as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members who are involved in mental health service provision and policy development.
It is committed to and passionate about improving access to effective mental health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and/or communities.
.More about the committee
Current initiatives
RANZCP Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori Trainee Financial Support Initiative
- Up to A$6,000/calendar year is available to assist with the costs of specialist training (e.g. RANZCP training fees, assessment fees, attending conferences) and other activities to achieve Fellowship.
- This initiative is funded by the RANZCP.
- To apply, read the Financial Support Initiative guidelines [PDF; 138 KB] and submit an application form.
- Please direct any queries to policy@ranzcp.org.
The Dance of Life
The Dance of Life by Professor Helen Milroy, 2006.
It's important that health professionals working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities take a holistic approach to their work in order to achieve the best outcomes possible.
The Dance of Life, developed by Professor Helen Milroy, is a multi-dimensional model which combines paintings, narrative, theory and existing evidence into a framework designed to assist practitioners in understanding health and wellbeing from an Aboriginal perspective.
.Read more about The Dance of Life
Resources
General resources
Bush Medicine Leaves by Gloria Petyarre.
.Read more about Gloria Petyarre
Educational material
Useful links
Workshops
Disclaimer: Please be aware that this website and associated resources may contain the names or images of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples who are now deceased.
This page and some of the associated resources were made possible through Australian Government funding.