Aboriginal support and recovery program wins mental health award

BULLINAH Aboriginal Health Service has won a state award for its Culture as Therapy and Recovery Service, which supports women recovering from domestic violence and men at risk on the Northern Rivers.

The service received the Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing Award at Wayahead’s 2025 Mental Health Matters Awards in Sydney.

There were 24 finalists across eight categories, with the awards recognising people and organisations delivering mental health support in communities across the state.

The Culture as Therapy program is run by project managers Joey Gordon and Robin Heuston.

Heuston has led the women’s program for two years, focusing on cultural reconnection through weaving, yarning and exercise.

“We’re very happy to be recognised for what the program has achieved in the community,” Heuston said.

“It’s facilitated by and for women, offering a safe space for them to build connections.

“We’ve seen some great results for women who have come from domestic violence and trauma.

“I had no one when I first moved to Ballina and I’ve had the same firsthand experiences.

” I’m really happy to be able to be in this role and seeing what a difference it’s been able to make.”

Gordon has taken on the men’s program this year, running art, exercise and language classes.

He also introduced a weekly men’s breakfast and has held other events, including golf days to promote men’s health.

“A lot of effort has gone into it and we’re seeing people as young as 16 joining the program and being able to connect with older people,” Gordon said.

“We’ve got more people getting back into work and we’re helping them get their driver’s licence and all sorts of things now.

“We actually just had a 70-year-old lady get her licence which would never normally happen without the support.”