Building Competence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Crisis Support

On Friday, October 10, Mental Health Day was marked by a significant initiative at the Queensland Synod Office. Responding to an invitation from Moderator Rev Bruce Moore, the office welcomed five senior members of the Queensland Police Services, State Safe Custody Unit, for two days of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid and Crisis Support Officer training.

This training focused on understanding the factors that contribute to low mental and emotional well-being among First Nations peoples, and on responding with culturally appropriate care. Such efforts are foundational for those committed to cultural change and to creating new, flourishing stories within Australia.

As the AMHFA Trainer, Kym Korbe - a proud Koa, Kuku Yalanji woman and Executive Officer UAICC & Covenanting - expressed gratitude for the opportunity to facilitate this training and share cultural insights with senior QPS staff, alongside colleagues from Trinity College and the Queensland Synod.

Spending two days teaching and yarning with senior QPS operations management was valuable, and we will continue to pray it marks the beginning of broader relationships that will support the recommendations of the accepted Watch House Review.”

Recognising the systemic obstacles faced by many First Nations peoples is essential in building respect, curiosity, and empathy. And, respect in action enables the adoption of culturally informed and inclusive decision-making practices.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are taught from a young age to honour respectful relationships, which are vital for walking together in hopefulness and self-determination. For me, as an Aboriginal Christian, last week’s training was a prayer answered - a doorway to building relationships that affirm cultural uniqueness and inspire renewed ways of thinking and working together.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV states “16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Below is a quote from Belinda Hoadley, Trinity College Queensland
"I had the privilege of attending Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid Training facilitated by Kym. Kym’s depth of knowledge and sensitivity in delivering the material was exceptional. By the end of the two-day training, I felt better equipped, with more ‘tools in my belt’ to offer culturally informed mental health crisis support to an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student at the college, or congregational member in distress."