Oonchiumpa’s new culturally-led program to keep Alice Springs kids out of trouble

A culturally-led diversion program for Aboriginal youth is one of many new school holiday programs across Central Australia. Read how it will work.

A new culturally-led diversion program for up to 50 at-risk Aboriginal youth in Alice Springs including therapeutic camps and day trips will be rolled out over the summer holidays.

Oonchiumpa will provide tailored, culturally-led activities on-country with elders, young people and their families coming together to address challenges and develop new pathways for young people in a culturally-led and supported way.

Oonchiumpa Consultancy and Services Director Kristy Bloomfield said the Alternative Service Response activity would direct young people to appropriate services and programs.

“After consultation with many of our at-risk young people and their families it has become evident that there is a lack of cultural brokerage provided by Aboriginal people with the cultural authority and knowledge to connect families and young people with the services, elders and communities most suited to build identity and bridge the gap between the two worlds we live in,” she said.

“We hope that by providing culturally appropriate training, mentorship and referral services we will empower young people and their families to achieve independence and resilience in the non-Aboriginal world while also reinforcing respect and knowledge of culture, country and elders, as has been taught to us for all of time.”

Free school holiday activities for kids and youth in Alice Springs include Arrernte Boxing, sports programs, movie nights, water activities, art and music activities, games, bush trips and cultural camps. Photo Emma Boughen

Additional free activities from December 15 through January 30 include Arrernte Boxing, sports programs, movie nights, water activities, art and music activities, games, bush trips and cultural camps.

For those in remote regions, the Hoops 4 Health regional basketball competition will be held in Mutitjulu and co-ordinated by the Central Desert Regional Council, MacDonnell Regional Council, Mutitjulu Community Aboriginal Corporation and the NPY Women’s Council.

Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy said the new programs would improve the wellbeing of the young people and their communities.

“Giving young people the chance to participate in positive activities is great for their wellbeing, and good for the community,” she said.

“Oonchiumpa’s local and culturally-led approach will have great benefits for young Territorian’s social and emotional wellbeing, and their future.”

Twenty five remote communities across Central Australia along with 12 in neighbouring communities in WA and SA will also receive funding to run targeted, community-led activities.

The initiatives are part of the $250 million Better, Safer Future for Central Australia plan by the Australian and Northern Territory governments to improve community safety, tackle alcohol-related harm and provide more opportunities for young people.

Originally published as Oonchiumpa’s new culturally-led program to keep Alice Springs kids out of trouble