$3 million increase for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health

• The Crisafulli Government commits $3 million to seven organisations in second round of First Nations Social and Emotional Wellbeing grants. 
• First round of grants saw more than $2 million provided to six organisations supporting our First Peoples across Queensland.
• Grant program demonstrates Crisafulli Government’s commitment to Closing the Gap by addressing Target 14 specifically. 

The Crisafulli Government has invested a further $3 million to strengthen the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as NAIDOC Week celebrations continue across Queensland.  

Through the second round of First Nations Social and Emotional Wellbeing grants, seven organisations have received funding to deliver community-driven initiatives aimed at improving mental health and overall wellbeing of our First Peoples.  

In addition to an overarching grant for the Queensland Mental Health Commission, localised grant funding has been awarded to organisations in Wujal Wujal, Rockhampton, Fraser Coast, Inala, Brisbane, and Ipswich.  

The grants address Closing the Gap Target 14 by supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to have high levels of social and emotional wellbeing.   

Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Fiona Simpson said the Crisafulli Government was committed to delivering tangible outcomes that improve the lives of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  

“The Crisafulli Government is focused on supporting our First Peoples across Queensland and making a real impact on Closing the Gap,” Minister Simpson said.  

"By providing these grants directly to organisations working in local communities, we are supporting local leaders and empowering local decision-making to drive real outcomes in improved mental health. 

“We are committed to reconciliation by delivering projects, designed in partnership with Indigenous leaders, to support improvements in health, but also across education, critical infrastructure, housing, and community partnerships. 

“During a decade of Labor, Queensland’s Closing The Gap targets in key areas went backwards, and the former government abandoned regional and discrete Indigenous communities.” 

Kambu Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation for Health CEO Simone Jackson said they were honoured to receive $400,000 in funding through the First Nations Social and Emotional Wellbeing grants initiative.  

“The funding will be directed toward delivering a ‘Generation Well’ approach – empowering our young people with tools such as cultural connection, community belonging, and emotional resilience,” Ms Jackson said.  

“Through targeted workshops, culturally appropriate promotional campaigns, and immersive retreats, young people across the Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Somerset and Scenic Rim regions will be supported to thrive.”   

“We believe this investment strengthens not only individuals, but also families, communities and the future of our people.”   

2025 First Nations Social and Emotional Wellbeing grant recipients: 

• Queensland Mental Health Commission 

• Wujal Justice Group (Wujal Wujal) 

• Galangoor Duwalami (Fraser Coast) 

• Inala Wangarra (Inala, Brisbane) 

• Bidgerdii (Rockhampton) 

• Gallang Place (Cannon Hill, Brisbane) 

• Kambu (Ipswich) 

This latest increased support follows more than $2 million provided by the Crisafulli Government to a further six organisations in the first round of First Nations Social and Emotional Wellbeing grants last year.  

These were distributed between Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council, Pormpur Paanthu Aboriginal Corporation, Gunya Meta, Central West Aboriginal Corporation, Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council, and Wujal Wujal Justice Group Indigenous Inc. 

ENDS  

MEDIA CONTACT: Jessica Coombs 0423 295 304