Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander wellbeing and support

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing and Support

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APIC acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters on which we live, learn and work. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We recognise the continuing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country, culture, community and knowledge.

The wellbeing, safety and success of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are important to APIC. We recognise that every student’s experience is different and that personal, cultural, family and community responsibilities, as well as other life circumstances, can sometimes affect your studies.

This page provides culturally relevant wellbeing information and referral options for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. It includes culturally appropriate crisis support, social and emotional wellbeing services, grief and loss support, financial counselling, legal services and other external services that may be helpful during your studies.

General wellbeing information and student support services for all students can be found on our Student Support Services page.

Our commitment

APIC is committed to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive learning environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

This commitment is supported by our Indigenous Education Policy and Student Welfare and Support Policy. These policies guide how we support student access, participation, wellbeing, cultural safety and success.

We understand that student wellbeing is not separate from study. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, wellbeing is often closely connected to Country, culture, family, community and feeling safe and respected within the learning environment.

If something is affecting your study or wellbeing, you do not need to manage it alone. Student Services can help you find the right support, including culturally appropriate external services where this is preferred.

Cultural safety, respect and belonging

APIC expects all students and staff to contribute to a respectful learning environment.

Racism, discrimination, harassment, bullying or behaviour that makes a student feel unsafe or unwelcome is not acceptable. If you experience or witness this kind of behaviour, you can contact Student Services for support or information about your options.

You may also wish to speak with an external Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support service if you would prefer to talk with someone outside the College first.

Scholarship opportunities and admissions pathways

APIC is committed to improving access to higher education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students may be eligible to apply for an Equity Scholarship that provides up to a 50% reduction in tuition fees, subject to the Scholarship Terms and Conditions. Further information on the scholarship can be found on the Scholarship page of our website.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants may also be eligible for special entry consideration under the Admissions Policy. This may include consideration of relevant work or life experience, approved preparatory study, or other evidence of capacity to succeed in higher education.

Applicants seeking special entry consideration may be asked to provide supporting documentation in accordance with the Admissions Policy.

Mental health and wellbeing

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, wellbeing is deeply connected to physical, mental, cultural and spiritual wellbeing. It may also be affected by experiences of trauma, grief, loss, racism, cultural disconnection and other personal or community impacts. Support should be respectful, culturally appropriate and responsive to these connections.

Students who need time away from study, an extension, special consideration or other support should also contact Student Services or refer to the Student Support Services page.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000 immediately.

Suicide prevention

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, having thoughts of suicide, or needs immediate emotional support, help is available. The following national services provide free, confidential support 24-hours a day.

13YARN (supported by Lifeline): 13 92 76
A national 24-hour crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. You can call to yarn with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander crisis supporter in a culturally safe space.

Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
A national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.

Suicide Call Back Service (supported by Lifeline): 1300 659 467
The Suicide Call Back Service is a 24-hour, nationwide service that provides free and immediate telephone, video and online counselling for anyone who is affected by suicide, including anyone who is feeling suicidal or who has lost someone to suicide.

Thirrili – Indigenous Suicide Postvention Service: 1800 805 801
A nationwide support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, families and communities affected by suicide or other traumatic loss.

Social and emotional wellbeing

Social and emotional wellbeing may be influenced by many factors, including study pressure, grief, racism, family responsibilities, community obligations, financial stress, trauma, homesickness, health concerns or being away from Country and community.

WellMob – Healing our way
Online social, emotional and cultural wellbeing resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and communities.

Strong Spirit Strong Mind
Online wellbeing resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Dardi Munwurro (Brother-to-Brother) 24-hour crisis line: 1800 435 799
The Brother-to-Brother crisis line provides phone support for Aboriginal men who need someone to talk to about relationship issues, family violence, parenting, drug and alcohol issues or who are struggling to cope for other reasons.

Yarning Safe’N’Strong (Victoria): 1800 959 563
A free and confidential counselling service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in Victoria.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Wellbeing Services (Queensland): 1300 117 095
Free and confidential service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in Queensland to access support to improve your social, emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing, and help you be able to safely care for and protect your children.

Money, debt and financial pressure

Financial stress can affect wellbeing and study. The following services provide information, advice or support tailored for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Mob Strong Debt Help: 1800 808 488
Free legal advice and financial counselling for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Moneysmart
Information and tools to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with money matters.

Services Australia
Information about payments and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

If financial pressure is affecting your studies or wellbeing, Student Services can also help connect you with College support or appropriate referral services.

Gambling, alcohol, drugs, smoking and vaping

Alcohol, other drugs, gambling, smoking and vaping can affect your health, wellbeing, relationships and academic success. If you are concerned about your own use, or that of someone close to you, free, confidential and culturally appropriate support is available.

Gambling Help Online: 1800 858 858
Free and confidential gambling support is available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, family and the community 24 hours a day.

Strong Spirit Strong Mind
Online resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on the impacts of alcohol and other drugs.

Quitline: 13 78 48
Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who want to stop smoking or vaping.

If you need independent legal advice or support, the services below provide free, culturally appropriate legal advice, information and representation.

Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT: 1800 765 767

Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service: 1800 064 865

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service QLD: 1800 012 255

If you’re unsure where to start or would simply like to talk through your options, our Student Services team is here to help. We can connect you with our support services or appropriate external organisations, depending on your needs and preferences.

Related policies

This page should be read together with:

Need support?

If you would like to talk to someone at APIC, please contact Student Services. We can help connect you with College support services or appropriate external organisations, depending on your needs and preferences

Privacy and confidentiality

APIC will treat student support enquiries sensitively and with respect for privacy in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

There may be times when staff need to share limited information with another appropriate staff member or service so that support can be arranged. Where possible, this will be discussed with the student.

There may also be limited circumstances where APIC needs to act to protect the safety of a student or another person, or where required by law.

Disclaimer

The information on this page is provided as general information only and should not be relied upon as medical, counselling, financial or legal advice. While APIC takes reasonable care to maintain the information on this page, external websites and services may change without notice. If you need urgent assistance, call 000 or contact an appropriate crisis support service.