BDAC awarded for supporting mothers

THE Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co-operative has won a state award for its work in helping new and expectant mothers.

Its Garinga Bupup Early Intervention Program won the Walda Blow Aboriginal Children and Young People Award at the State Government-sponsored Victorian Protecting Children Awards, held at the MCG early this month.

The program aims to forge family relationships with expectant mothers and its team works to create a sense of community, trust and comfort with the women it supports.

“The Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co-operative Garinga Bupup team has shown exceptional effort and excellence in practice by implementing a wraparound, culturally driven approach to early intervention support,” the award citation said.

“The Garinga Bupup program stands out for its approach to forging familial relationships with expectant mothers and creating a sense of community, trust and comfort in the mothers they work with.

“Their holistic approach enhances family outcomes, allowing mothers to make informed choices that improve child wellbeing and safety outcomes, and keep families together.”

The citation said the team’s strong community presence had created an environment in which expectant mothers were comfortable enough to self-refer to the program.

“This shows the team’s commitment to creating a supportive environment where women feel empowered to seek help and make decisions about their wellbeing and that of their children,” it said.

“The team’s efforts achieved a 63 per cent diversion rate, empowered mothers and built trusted connections with the community.”

Garinga bupup means growing babies in the Djaara language.

Speaking after the awards ceremony, BDAC chief executive officer Dallas Widdicombe said the program is something to be proud of.

“We walk alongside mothers on their pregnancy and newborn journey, supporting their connection to culture, community, family and any supports necessary to help their family be strong and safe,” he said.

“We do this work because supporting our community is what we exist for.

“While it means a lot to us to have our work recognised, our hope is that by having the work of programs like Garinga Bupup showcased, it demonstrates that when Aboriginal people are at the forefront of decisions that impact our lives – and mob are designing services for mob – real impact happens.”

Mr Widdicome thanked the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing for supporting BDAC’s desire to establish its own program.