Lakes Entrance Aboriginal Health Association (LEAHA) are building a strong and healthy future for their community. Their projects will support re-engaging the Aboriginal community and building capacity in the next generation.
Paula Morgan, CEO of LEAHA says:
“LEAHA is thankful to work with BRV and for funding because it is quite flexible. LEAHA will work closely with community on the ground to embed real self-determination.”
The LEAHA team will walk alongside the Aboriginal community to support them to reconnect and gather with one another after being evacuated for the bushfires and later impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.
The LEAHA staff have been visiting community members at their houses to keep them connected, delivering health and wellbeing packages to the more vulnerable community members. Paula says:
“We have so many ideas and want to work collaboratively with our community to build events and activities that will help heal our mob, we know that the only way to do this effectively is to work alongside our people."
LEAHA’s main priority is to provide health and wellbeing services to their community to maintain good health. LEAHA also has a strong focus on building the capacity and skills of its staff. Capacity building the next generation is important to Paula and she’s thankful that she is able to do this in her position at LEAHA.
One of the biggest project milestones has been the appointment of a Bushfire Recovery Coordinator. Paula says:
“This opportunity for a young Aboriginal girl to step up into the Bushfire Recovery Coordinator position is fantastic.
"Our new coordinator has stepped in and she’s doing wonderfully, she’s been with us for about three months now. Her focus is supporting our mob to come together in a safe space – somewhere they can feel safe to talk openly about their needs. We just have to be there to listen. Often, the community knows the answers. Our recovery has to continue to be really community-led and focused.
“I see this project as an example of Aboriginal self-determination in the recovery space. It’s great to be able to provide an opportunity for a young Aboriginal woman to work with our mob and lead the disaster planning for future events.”
Updated