Support Act acknowledges and pays its respects to First Nations peoples and recognises the role of intergenerational song practitioners in establishing the rich and diverse music practices that exist today.

FIRST NATIONS SUPPORT LINE

Support Act is pleased to facilitate a culturally safe experience for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians, managers, crew and music workers through the First Nations Support Line.

This is a free, confidential service specifically for First Nations people to provide help with your mental health and wellbeing, available to access any time (24/7 365 days) by calling 1800 959 500 (option 3).

Together, the counsellor will create a culturally safe space for you to express feelings of anxiety, depression, substance use, finance issues, and any other worries you may have.

We recognise the importance of First Nations people being able to speak with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Clinician or one with cultural awareness training, who has experience with individuals and families, and who understands the challenges you may face.

By working together, we aim to find the most appropriate support for you. A referral to other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services can also be arranged, through the Support Line or by contacting our First Nations Social Worker.

Remember: If you, or someone you care about, is in crisis or at immediate risk dial 000 now.

WHY SEEK HELP

The Indigenous suicide rate was double that of the general population in 2015.

Indigenous suicide increased from 5 per cent of Australia’s total suicide in 1991 to 50 per cent in 2010, despite First Nations people only making up 3 per cent of the Australian population. This is an alarming rate for First Nations people.

We hope that more First Nations musicians, managers, crew and music workers will seek support in a culturally safe environment and make use of the Support Line as a way of processing past injustices and the effects of intergenerational trauma.

MEET WILL, OUR FIRST NATIONS PROGRAM LEAD

Will Oui is a proud Meriam man from Zenadth Kes, currently living and working on the beautiful country of Kombumerri peoples on the Gold Coast. He explains how we support First Nations music workers and shares a little bit about himself.

FIRST NATIONS EVENTS

A series of dedicated mental health events and supports for First Nations musicians, managers, crew and music workers. Check out our upcoming events and resources here.

FIRST NATIONS STRATEGIC PLAN

We’re pleased to share with you our inaugural First Nations Strategic Plan, designed in consultation with Elders and Indigenous leaders across the country and led by our First Nations Community Engagement/Social Worker, Cerisa Benjamin.

The Plan is for Support Act staff and the community we serve. It has been developed to guide, communicate, encourage and support what we are doing to achieve our vision and purpose in relation to our First Nations programming. We acknowledge that while we are a non-First Nations organisation, our First Nations strategic plan will be guided by the First Nations music community.

Banner Photo: Indigenous rapper Barkaa with her daughter, taken on the set of “For My Tittas”, a testament to her Blak sisters and their matriarchal power. This photo to Barkaa represents her backing her daughter through everything and her daughter taking in all her strength, importance and ancestry. Photo credit: Katrina Clarke.