On 21 October 2023 in World Mental Health Month, The Westerman Jilya Institute for Indigenous Mental Health (“Jilya”) will hold our annual Indigenous Suicide Prevention Fundraising Gala to address the shocking rates of Indigenous child suicide in Australia which are amongst the world’s highest.
The Dr Tracy Westerman Indigenous Psychology Scholarship Program is the heart of Jilya. Personally funded by Dr Westerman in response to the 13 suicide deaths of Aboriginal young people in the Kimberley due to a lack of access to culturally appropriate services. The program has quickly grown and in just TWO years and now supports and mentors 41 Indigenous psychology students across Australia including 5 from the Kimberley region.
The annual fundraiser commenced in 2021 to fund the scholarships expansion and has become an inspiring event in which we celebrate the achievements of our current students and announce our 2023 recipients!
This will include for the FIRST time, recipients from Alice Springs; consistent with the program’s ethos – to develop permanent skills capacity in our highest risk communities. Because locals never leave!
We do not need to look outside of our communities to be saved; to be rescued.
Communities always know what they need; Jilya is providing the opportunities to ensure that!
The stunning three-course gala dinner, with all-inclusive prestige wines and craft beer will be hosted by our emcee, former ABC Perth Radio presenter, Geoff Hutchison. The night will feature performances from:
Bojesse Pigram |Kobi Morrison | Corroboree for Life | Maatakitj
Joining them will be our special guest, Tasma Walton, our very own Dr Tracy Westerman AM who will deliver a captivating Keynote and an exclusive video appearance from, the multi award winning country music artist, Kasey Chambers.
This year; now that our army of psychologists has grown, we aim to use funds raised to develop a NATIONAL Indigenous Psychology Clinic and Psychological Assessment Service to value add to services on the ground in high-risk communities.
Please join Dr Tracy Westerman AM, and The Jilya Board at Winthrop Hall, UWA for a night of hope, optimism and a celebration of Indigenous talent and excellence.