Indigenous Award
The Indigenous Award recognises an innovative and exceptional project or activity that has contributed to the prevention of domestic and family violence and enhanced the safety of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities.
Winner: Cairns Indigenous Coordination Centre, Queensland Police Service, Crime Stoppers, AFL Cape York Ltd for Kids Living Safer Lives
Kids Living Safer Lives is a partnership between the Cairns Indigenous Coordination Centre, the Queensland Police Service and AFL Cape York Ltd which reduces domestic and family violence in Cape York. The project also addresses juvenile crime and anti-social behaviours.
Kids Living Safer Lives commenced on 1 July 2008 and has funding for three years. The project coordinates a range of existing initiatives and programs including the award winning police program Be Strong Be Heard, along with other programs such as Violence No Way, Crime Stoppers, Safe Hands, Auskick and AFL’s Kickstart lifestyle programs. The project reduces violence and the fear of violence among children in the Indigenous communities of Aurukun, Coen, Hope Vale, Kowanyama, Lockhart River, Mossman Gorge and Pormpuraaw.
The wet season is a time when juvenile violence and crime is often at its highest. Kids Living Safer Lives provides these remote Indigenous communities with a range of activities for children who are exposed to domestic and family violence. These programs encourage participation in positive activities which relieve boredom and reduce criminal and anti-social behaviour.
Project officers provide valuable assistance through their knowledge of local communities and understanding of the dynamics that contribute towards domestic and family violence within the communities. Performing artists are engaged to work with children to promote the message that domestic and family violence is unacceptable and unlawful.
Kids Living Safer Lives resulted in a decrease in juvenile crime in Aurukun in January 2009 compared to previous years. Other anecdotal information has also indicated a reduction of anti-social behaviour during the school holiday period. This partnership is considering expanding the program into other Indigenous communities and high-risk mainstream areas.
Highly Commended: Lena Passi Women's Shelter and Mira D's Program Solutions for Getting On program
The Getting On Program is a collaboration with a number of agencies and local Elders that have a shared commitment to breaking the cycle of family violence by linking strongly with Torres Strait Islander culture. The program builds intolerance of domestic and family violence in the community by reaching out to young men and school-aged children.
Local partner agencies on the program advisory group include Lena Passi Women’s Shelter, the Queensland Police Service, the Thursday Island Justice Group and the Department of Education and Training.