For over 2 decades Dr Tracy Westerman has dedicated her time and resources in to working tirelessly on reducing the burden on mental ill health and suicide in Aboriginal communities across all of Australia. 

A proud Nyamal woman from the Pilbara region of Western Australia Dr Tracy Westerman holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Psychology, a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology). She is now is recognised as a world leader in Aboriginal mental health, cultural competency and suicide prevention achieving national and international recognition for her work. All of this despite coming from a background of disadvantage and one in which she had to undertake most of her tertiary entrance subjects by Distance Education while growing up in a remote Aboriginal community. Dr Tracy got to experience first hand the difficulties and obstacles that he people faced. That and also after the Fogliani enquiry in to the deaths of 13 young Indigenous people in the east Kimberley town of Kununurra, Dr Westerman knew the urgency and importance of her work and research in to Aboriginal and Torres Strait mental health. Dr Westerman has managed well over 300 individual contracts, appears in numerous government reports citing her innovative work and been invited as an  expert witness to a number of Parliamentary Enquires including the recent Royal Commission into Disability, Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with a Disability; the 2016 WA Parliamentary Enquiry into Aboriginal Suicide Prevention, the 2011 NSW Parliamentary Enquiry into the Bowraville Serial Murders, the 2005 NT Parliamentary Enquiry into Substance Misuse in Aboriginal Communities to name a few.

Her combined body of work places her at the forefront of Aboriginal mental health service delivery. Her most notable awards include:
•	Telstra Women’s Business Awards Winner, Small Business Category (WA), 2020
•	Australian of the Year (WA) 2018
•	Lifetime Achievement Award, Curtin University, Alumni Awards (2018)
•	Inducted into WA Women’s Hall of Fame 2018
•	40 under 40 WA Business Awards recognising Adjunct Professor Westerman as one of the best business people in WA under 40 – “Strategic Alliance Award”
•	The Suicide Prevention Australia Award for Emerging Researcher (2006)
•	The National Health & Medical Research Council Post Doctoral Fellowship to investigate ADHD in Aboriginal people
•	The Mark Liveris Award, Curtin University, Health Sciences for best Oral Presentation of PhD
•	The NAIDOC National Scholar of the Year (2002)


However when speaking with Dr Westerman she will fondly tell you that over her  past 21 years of operations she is most proud of the fact that IPS has continued to operate in the absence of funding from government for any of the services. She has self-funded the development of world first unique screening tools, research, intervention programs and training’s. Dr Westerman is also most proud of developing the next generation of Indigenous psychologists by Personally, funding and launching the Dr Tracy Westerman Aboriginal Psychology Scholarship Program (along with Curtin University). This is an Australian first initiative that directly addresses the needs of Indigenous families and communities based upon decades of Inquiries, which cite the lack of access to specialist programs and services in high risk areas. Dr Westerman explains that she started the scholarship as a direct response to this critical need in Indigenous communities which have not been responded to by successive governments. 

Listen to this podcast as we celebrate an incredibly powerful yet humble Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health ambassador and champion. Celebrating her and her work for International Women's day 2021 Dr Tracy yarns with SST Host Natasha Ferre

leading the way in Indigenous Mental health and suicide prevention Dr Tracy Westerman

Ronny Kareni is a Canberra-based West Papuan musician and activist. He graduated in diplomacy studies at the Australian National University. He is also the co-founder of Rize of the Morning Star, a musical and cultural movement, and consults the Pacific Mission of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua. Sorong Samarai is like nothing you have ever heard or seen before… heavy log drumbeats, hip-hop, contemporary dance and hauntingly beautiful sound scapes direct from West Papua & PNG. 
PNG/Oz Producer Airileke’s latest project Sorong Samarai brings together rising stars of PNG and West Papua’ s underground urban music scene. Each featured artist in the collective are established artists in their own right, between them claiming many hits and clubs bangers throughout the Pacific over the past 2 decades. Razor sharp lyrics from multilingual MCs Sprigga Mek (PNG) and Ukam Maniczy (West Papua) bring an insight into the ghetto life of Port Moresby, and the aspirations of freedom for West Papua. Bass man Richard Mogu and Airileke combine to create one of the most unique rhythm sections bringing ancient Melanesian rhythms to life. Hauntingly beautiful Kwakumba (flutes) from the highlands of PNG depicting the Birds of Paradise, chants and immersive sound will take you deep into the jungles of PNG. Complimented by the infectiously positive island reggae tunes by Jagarizza and Twin Tribe.One of the most spectacular moments in a Sorong Samarai concert is the dance. Dance duo the Roem Brothers hailing from the highlands of West Papua came to Australia as child refugees, 10 years later they have become one of the most unique and exciting dancers to watch. In Sorong Samarai they combine with legendary contemporary Torres Strait dancer Albert David, along side the pioneer of contemporary PNG dance and theatre Markham Galut. 
Sorong is the name of a town on the northwest tip of West Papua, Samarai is a town on the southeast tip of PNG. The band represent the unification of the 2 politically divided regions, which have been isolated from each other for over 50 years. Papua is the most culturally diverse place on earth with over 1000 distinct languages, and the 3rd largest tract of rainforest on earth.

Ronny Kareni's latest project Sorong Samarai is like nothing you have ever heard or seen before

Danzal Baker OAM AKA Baker Boy is an Australian rapper, dancer, artist, and actor. Baker Boy is known for rapping in both English and Yolngu Matha. A proud Yolngu man who grew up in Arnhem Land communities Milingimpi and Maningrida. He was made Young Australian of the Year in 2019, and his song “Cool as Hell” was nominated in several categories in the 2019 ARIA Awards. In 2018, he won two awards at the National Indigenous Music Awards and was named Male Artist of the Year in the National Dreamtime Awards. Baker Boy talks to Hayley MAC on Turnt Up Fridays about his new single “Ride” with Yirrmal and collaborating with the legendary INXS for their “New Sensation” dance video all thanks to LEGO VIDIYO.

Baker Boy, The LEGO Group’s minifigure, Universal Music Group’s newly signed artist L.L.A.M.A and two of the original band members from INXS also make a special guest appearance dancing their way across Sydney, visiting some iconic landmarks along the way, dancing to INXS’ New Sensation.
“VIDIYO is the kind of app I wish I had when I was a kid. I always loved dancing and performing, and something like this would have made my dreams feel more like a reality and help bring my creative visions to life,” Baker Boy said.
“I hope VIDIYO inspires kids across the country to dream big and know that with a little bit of dance, anything is possible.” 
This then inspired Baker boy to create a dance Tutorial with LEGO VIDIYO for the “New Sensation” music video.

BAKER BOY Collaborates with LEGO VIDIYO For a 'New Sensation'

Budjerah Slabb is a Coodjinburra man from Bundjalung in NSW. An upcoming musician he has worked with ARIA winner Matt Corby to produce his debut EP which has a soulful and contemporary pop feel. His debut single ‘Missing You’ has been added to rotation on triple J and spent over a week at the #1 position on the station’s most played chart. He says “When people listen to his music, they will hear his experience. He hopes it brings them comfort and shows they are not alone” Budjerah is one of the many talented artists set to perform for the ANZAC Eve event Music From The Home Front at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. He has also got some tour dates coming up. This talented musician speaks to Hayley MAC on Turnt Up Fridays.

BUDJERAH Upcoming Performance at Music From The Home Front

Mitch Tambo is one of Australia’s most talented entertainers. A proud Gamilaraay man, Mitch lights up any arena with a passion and deep commitment to his First Nations culture and the people he represents. Mitch Tambo is celebrating women and their achievements with his uplifting new single ‘Dreamtime Princess’.

Mitch Tambo Celebrates Women With Uplifting New Single ‘Dreamtime Princess'

ON TRACK is a program that outlines how youth were able to stay on track with their education. In this program specialist journalist Hayley McAdam speaks with Helen Christensen and Leila Gurruwiwi who work as the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Education Officers with Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS). They work along side each other to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff and also assist schools to become more culturally aware. Helen and Leila talk about how they were able to help students during lockdown with remote learning and their own personal experiences with returning to work post lockdown and how that transition has been for the students.

Leila Gurruwiwi & Helen Christensen Supporting Indigenous Students at MACS

Jill Gallagher AO, Gunditjmara woman has never hesitated to seize opportunities to support her community in the pursuit of better health, community autonomy and reclamation of the traditional culture and society of Aboriginal Victorians. who has worked within, led and advocated for the Victorian Aboriginal community all her life. She is the CEO of Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO), now one of Australia’s largest and most effective state Aboriginal peak advocacy organisations. addressing Aboriginal Health issues. Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation Inc is the peak body for the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal peoples living in Victoria.
The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) was established in 1996. VACCHO is the peak Aboriginal health body representing 32 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) in Victoria.

Jill Gallagher AO Speaks about Lockdown in Victoria

Bob Wilson is a Barkindji man.

I grew up in Wilcannia in a culture filled with music. In this very harmonious family environment it was our natural instinct to get up and sing. Singing made the Barkandji spirit stronger.

— Bob Wilson

 My dear old Mum and Dad raised us kids under the gum trees on that river. My Dad is from the Dunghutti tribe from the east coast NSW and Mum was from the Barkindji tribe and we originated from the Lake Mungo tribe.
Back then, my parents and grandparents were not recognised as Australians. Or even as people. It wasn’t until the 1967 referendum that Aboriginal people were no longer classed under the ‘Flora and Fauna act’. Hard to believe, isn’t it? We were regarded in the same category as animals and plants. It really shows you the ignorance of the colonists. I’m not being inflammatory saying that. I am just telling you the truth. There is no lying in my life. I have never wanted to offend anybody. I'm just stating a fact.
Living in Wilcannia in the 50’s & 60’s wasn’t easy I can say that. There was lots of prejudice, and a great deal of racism and discrimination, but we endured it. We were taught to hold our heads high and not let the racism we experienced

Bob Wilson a Barkindji man speaks on Too Deadly @ 2

Education expert at Education Perfect who provide online resources that’s all in one platform & Empowers your teaching with their leading edge, personalised and curriculum-aligned.  His focus is to give parents the best support possible. Passionate about everything home learning, Tim helps parents use EP from running personalised 1 on 1 training sessions to global homeschooling webinars!
With lockdowns in NSW and Victoria finally ending, many parents were eager for schools to open up again. However, some parents have found that their child responded better to the remote learning they experienced over the lockdown period.

Education Expert Tim Offen Reveals an Increase in Families Homeschooling

Meriki Hood is a strong Aboriginal Kunai and Gunditjmara woman from the eastern and western districts of Victoria. She has been in the hip hop and urban rap seen for the past 10 years starting song writing and composing music at the age of seventeen. Meriki is my special guest to yarn about Share the Spirit festival that celebrates the survival of First Nations people in Australia held on January 26 – Survival Day

Meriki Hood Yarns About Share The Spirit Festival And Her Experiences

Carly Wallace is a Dulguburra Yidinji woman and campaign ambassador for the new Department of Social Services campaign to get more mob into the Care and Support Workforce. She is sharing her story from being an unpaid carer, to working into youth support to now being the Senior Disability Royal Commission Senior Advocate and reflecting on why she thinks it is important for mob to be in this sector, especially for the quality of care for mob who need care and support.

A Life Changing Life campaign has been developed by the Department of Social Services, in collaboration with the Department of Health and the Department of VETARIN’S Veterans’ Affairs. It was developed after research with potential workers, current care and support workers, employers and stakeholders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people with disability, older people and veterans. It aims to raise awareness of the job opportunities in the sector and encourage potential workers to apply for these roles. The Australian Government’s A Life Changing Life campaign shares the stories of the rewarding relationships to: • increase community knowledge about the wide range of jobs and career options in the sector • increase understanding of what the work involves • show the value and benefits of the work, and • overturn outdated ideas about care and support.

The campaign features real people — care and support workers, and the people they support. It aims to raise awareness of the job opportunities in the sector and encourage potential workers to apply for these roles. Through the campaign and other actions, the goal is to attract around 140,000 people to the care and support sector by 2024. Potential workers (the campaign’s primary audiences) include: • tertiary students studying related fields • young people who are looking for meaningful work • job seekers who are interested in this sector • people returning to the workforce, including carers • professionals who could transfer their skills to the sector • recent arrivals to Australia • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people • people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.

For more information, visit careandsupportjobs.gov.au

Ambassador Carly Wallace: A Life Changing Life Campaign

Aunty Rhonda Collard-Spratt is a Yamatji-Noongar elder and Stolen Generations survivor. An accomplished author and artist, Aunty Rhonda is the co-author and artist behind Bobtail's Friend, the third instalment of the Spirit of the Dreaming series, which bring ancient Dreaming stories into today, showing that the Dreaming never ended.

Aunty Rhonda Collard-Spratt Debuts New Book "Bobtail's Friend"

Tom Mosby is Chief Executive Officer of the Koorie Heritage Trust, Melbourne. His family connections are across the Islands: Tom states, my father’s family is from Masig (Yorke Island) which is part of the Kulkalgal nation of the central Torres Strait, and my mother’s family is from Erub (Darnley Island) and Mer (Murray Islands) in the Eastern Torres Strait. But both of my grandparents moved to Iama (Yam Island), which is also in the central Torres Strait. So I consider Iama home, but we have connections everywhere.

Tom Mosby Celebrates 10 years Of The Koorie Art Show

Tania Lacy interview (Friends with Wendy and Pete)

Reconciliation Victoria at the Centre Ivanhoe, Breakfast at This year’s theme for National Reconciliation Week is ‘Be a Voice for Generations’ and provides a great opportunity to learn more about The Voice to Parliament ahead of the referendum later this year.

Aunty Jill Gallagher is a proud Gunditjmara woman and has one burning ambition – to develop the capacity of her community to achieve their full potential.

Jill Gallagher AO Reconciliation Breakfast Speech

Aunty Jill Gallegher Speaks The Voice to Parliament on Balit Dhumba

Crooked TP is an independent rap artist based in NARRM and is a proud Mutthi Mutthi/Yorta Yorta and Tongan man. 

Crooked TP has written songs about home, bad habits, suicide and says "I hope my songs reach out to our mob going through what I have been through. 

I hope my songs wake them up, realise you are not the only one going through that journey and that there is light at the end of the tunnel. A friend of mine told me once before, if the road is hard on your healing journey then your going in the right direction."

Crooked TP joined James Mann on the Saturday Night Mixtape on the 3KND network to talk about is music journey, who inspired him to write, he travelled the world as a dancer and his inspiring messages to his community especially to the young black males.

Crooked TP talks about Life, Music and his New Song

Joel Bray Proud Wiradjuri Dancer On Bigbrekkie 6th Oct 2023

NEPHU Stroke Awarness Podcast

NEPHU Episode 12 DPV Health - How mob can connect with services

NEPHU Episode 12 DPV Health

Join 3KND Kool 'N' Deadly radio host Jodii Geddes for this week’s NAIDOC Health Yarn on the topic of Indigenous health and wellbeing. This episode, we are joined by Tina Kelb, Koorie engagement Officer North Eastern Public Health Unit (NEPHU) If you missed it live on Thursday, 11 July, at 11:00am on 1503AM and online, via  www.3knd.org.au.

NEPHU Health Yarn NAIDOC - Indigenous Health and Wellbeing

Join 3KND Kool 'N' Deadly radio host Jodii Geddes for this week’s Health Yarn on the topic of Eye and Ear Health. This episode, we are joined by Carleen Miller and Natalie Tieri. If you missed it live on Thursday 29th August 2024, at 11:00am on 1503AM and online, via www.3knd.org.au.

NEPHU  The Health Yarn - Ep 14 Eye and Ear Health

NEPHU the Health Yarn - Ep 15 Oral Health Services at the Dental Hospital with AHLO Harmony Miller

NEPHU the Health Yarn - Ep 15 Oral Health Services at the Dental Hospital

Join 3KND Kool 'N' Deadly radio host Jodii Geddes for this week’s episode celebrating Oonah Aboriginal Health and Community Services 15 year anniversary Health Yarn with Nikki  Madgwic.

NEPHU Ep 16 Health Yarn Oonah 15 Years

On the latest episode of The Health Yarn on 3KND Kool 'N' Deadly , radio host, Jodii Geddes, is joined by Professor Helen Milroy AM - Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia and Dr Luke Martin from Beyond Blue. To yarn about emotional and social wellbeing.

NEPHU Ep 17 Emotional And social wellbeing Beyond Blue and Gayaa Dhuwi ( Proud Spirit) Australia

On the latest episode of The Health Yarn on 3KND Kool 'N' Deadly , radio host, Jodii Geddes, is joined by Heti  Mackallah from Women's Health in the North ( WHIN) 

NEPHU Ep 18 Women's Health in the North (WHIN )

NEPHU Health Yarn Episode 19: Impacts of smoking and vaping

Join Leila Gurruwiwi and Kristen Munro as they explore the Barrbunin Beek Aboriginal Gathering Place and share insights about their initiatives and programs designed for mums and bubs.

NEPHU Barrbunin Beek Gathering Place - Interview with Leila Gurruwiwi and Kristen Munro

Join 3KND's Grant Hansen & Cara Cook from Nutrition Australia, a leading organization dedicated to promoting optimal health and well-being through evidence-based nutrition advice and education. Join them as they explore some initiatives, insights on current nutritional trends, and how Nutrition Australia are working to improve the dietary habits of Australians across the country.

NEPHU Nutrition Australia - Interview with Grant Hansen & Cara Cook

Mau Power is a proud TSI Dhoebaw man of the Guda Malullgal nations, greatly respected as a voice of empowerment and inspiration among the people of the Torres Strait. He is the first rapper to emerge from the rich musical traditions of the Torres Strait, a local leader and a lyrical storyteller at the crossroads of Indigenous and hip-hop culture.

ARRIVED is the first track to be released since he released his album Blue Lotus earlier this year. The album features collaborations with Radical Son, Benny Walker, Jimblah and George Musu to name a few.

3KND's interview with Mau Power

Waddi Waddi, Yorta Yorta, Ngarrindjeri Master Weaver Aunty Glenda Nicholls grew up on the Murray River, she comes from a long line of women who fished on the river and weaved natural fibres from country. 
Aunty Glenda worked alongside her sister's Aunty Clair and Jennifer Bates to hold the recent Darling River Water Ceremony held in October. 
On the afternoon leading up to the healing ceremony Aunty Glenda spoke with Kirstyn Lindsay and shared her love and sadness for the river ways, she explains her understanding of women's spiritual connection a to water.
On this journey as we traveled up the Darling River Aunty Glenda speaks fondly on how she was taught from her Grandmother and Mother to make feather flowers and designed woven nets from dreams sent to her from her ancestors and the river.  
Image from Glenda Nicholls Murray Darling Dreamtime Weaver.

Water is life- Aunty Glenda Nicholls on healing women's spirit's

Anangu Elders in the APY Lands (Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara)have come forward in saying that financial abuse and standing over family members for money is not part of culture.  

Carolyn Cartwright, Managing Director and Financial Counsellor for Money Mob Talkabout says intra familial financial abuse from  intimate partners and between children and parents/grandparents, extended family is a very common problem in the APY Lands. 

Financial stress and food insecurity is making life harder for people in remote communities where some people are having their income managed with Basics Cards and the cost of living is higher than in the city..

As we learn more about financial abuse on Standing Strong Together we see how this issue is common throughout many families across Australia.

Money Bob Talkabout is a money hub based in Alice Springs. Financial counselors travel to communities in the APY Lands with two weeks on and two weeks off. 

They also have an office in Urnabella and provide a one stop shop for financial counselling and Centrelink, the program gives people a chance to update their car licence and registration. 
The focus of the program is to support Aboriginal people in communities to gain financial independence.

Carolyn reminded us that Aboriginal people have only had access to manage money since the 1970’s and challenges of an old exchange system in comparison to western financial systems are constantly assessed by Elders and her staff.
Image: MoneyMob Talkabout Pukatja team running the MMT stall at the Anangu Work Expo

Financial abuse is not culturally acceptable in ancient systems of exchange and sharing

Ada Conroy Senior Workforce Development Officer for Northern Integrated Family Violence Services says the first step in making change is for men who use violence is to take responsibility for their behaviour.  

The NIFVS network offers training on working with Male Perpetrators of Family Violence; reflections on Collusion. 

Some of the core beliefs held by men who use violence are male entitlement and access to privilege, victim stance and violence supportive attitude. 

Their use of violence is trivialised and pathologised if they have issues with mental health, substance use and a history of violence being used on them as a child.

Ada says her training is about understanding perpetrator accountability and assessing the risk for the victim/ survivor and not colluding with the perpetrator’s belief system.

Ada says one in three women have experienced family violence and that’s not one in three men who have a mental illness, that’s one in three men who think they have power and control because they were born men.

Male Perpetrators of Family Violence; Reflections on Collusion.

I am a proud and passionate Wurundjeri Woiwurrung Elder, who worked in cultural heritage for 10 years before beginning a role in local government. Having received qualifications in Indigenous Leadership, and local government administration, as well as being a member on the Wurundjeri Woiwurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation Board of Directors and Co-Chair at South Eastern DHHS Aboriginal Working Group.
Uncle Colin yarns with Hayley MAC about what NAIDOC means to him and his role as an Elder.
Uncle Colin Hunter whose traditional lands extend from inner-city Melbourne south to the Mordialloc Creek, west to the Werribee River and east to Mount Baw Baw. Uncle Colin Hunter is the first Traditional Owner in Victoria to be employed ‘on Country’ in local government, and has worked at Yarra City Council managing their Aboriginal Partnership Policy for many years.
In my 12 years at Yarra City Council I am very proud of the leadership shown and the work I have been able to achieve, including being the first Victorian local government to properly consult community before making the decision to make a stand on January 26, supporting the ‘Change the Date’ campaign along with other recommendations to the Federal government. My work at Yarra Council has included supporting some of the most disadvantaged community members, such as the Fitzroy ‘parkies’, protecting the culturally important meeting place at Atherton Gardens from development and installing the Stolen Generations Marker after extensive consultation. I believe solid consultation processes and strong relationships are at the heart of all meaningful projects, decisions and policies.
As a Wurundjeri Board member for approximately 11 years, I have seen our organisation grow, overseeing the expanding economic development of the organisation and increase in culturally relevant employment opportunities. My role as Elder and Traditional Owner of Melbourne has allowed me the chance to speak for the protection of culturally important landscapes as well as the natural environment more generally. I was on the Interim Yarra River Lands Advisory Committee – now established and operating as the Birrarung Council. I was also honoured to present the Yarra River Protection (Wilip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017 and speaking Woiwurrung language in parliament for the first time since colonisation. I feel a strong connection to the land of my Ancestors.

Uncle Colin Hunter on 3KND As we Celebrate NAIDOC Week 2020

Racism. The Lived Experience.
As told by Phillip ‘Philly’ Murray
Wemba Wemba

A childhood experience of racism, and how hip hop helps Aboriginal youth connect with, and value, their identity.

https://deadlyandproud.vic.gov.au/

Deadly & Proud - Phillip 'Philly' Murray On Racism. The Lived Experience

Resisting Colonial Rule.
As told by Aunty Fay Carter
Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Wurrung

The story of how, on 4 February 1939, up to 200 Aboriginal residents of the Cummeragunja Mission, walked out of the station. They were protesting living conditions and restrictions on their movement. The Cummeragunja Walk Off paved the way for their increased independence.

https://deadlyandproud.vic.gov.au/

Deadly & Proud - Aunty Fay Carter On Resisting Colonial Rule

3KND is Melbourne’s first Indigenous owned and managed radio station, providing a vital service not only to the Indigenous community but also to the wider community as a whole. 3KND provides information and entertainment for our community and anyone else who wants to join in.

Popular tracks by 3KND Kool N Deadly