SAC welcomes State Government investment in Improving Social and Emotional Wellbeing of Young Aboriginal People in the Great Southern Region

Media Release.

09/06/2025.

Southern Aboriginal Corporation (SAC) is proud to announce the launch of Deadly Coolangarras, a new community engagement program designed to enhance social and emotional wellbeing and increase awareness and understanding of the risks associated with alcohol and other drug (AOD) use amongst young Aboriginal people.

SAC CEO, Asha Bhat, said a short-term funding investment from the Mental Health Commission will enable SAC to deliver Deadly Coolangarras for young Aboriginal people aged 12-18 years residing in Albany, in the Great Southern region, over a six-month period:

We are grateful for the investment from the Mental Health Commission, which will support us to deliver this program and create a culturally safe and supportive space for young Aboriginal people to:

(a)   connect with peers, Elders and SAC staff;

(b)   engage in educational workshops, with a focus on AOD and building respectful relationships; and

(c)   receive support to connect with other services as required and appropriate.

The program will run over the course of two school terms, comprising of 20x 1.5-hour weekly education and activity sessions at the SAC Office Mess Hall. The program will also include a school holidays component, comprising of 18x off site sessions alternating between outdoor social activities and educational workshops.

Ms. Bhat emphasised the benefit of creating healthy, positive social experiences alongside the provision of educational information on important topics for young people:

Deadly Coolangarras will provide a forum for young people to learn about and share their experiences relating to social and emotional wellbeing, social media use, culture, and AOD, in a safe and constructive environment.

We are excited to leverage our operational expertise, organisational infrastructure and strong connections to community to empower our young people to self-determine, experience positive relationships and develop a range of skills that will have a positive, sustainable impact on their personal goals, education, community and family connections.

Service delivery will commence before the end of 2025.