Award Category: Best Regional, Rural or Remote Program
TThis award is to recognise the best program or service designed to support regional, rural or remote areas of Australia. The service may be face to face, digital or a combination of both.\n\nWe’d love to see how the program or service shows innovation and results by contributing to improved health and wellbeing of its Participants and/or community.
Finalist Details
Purple Support's Return to Country (RTC) program helps Indigenous Participants reconnect with their community, culture and Country when living in Supported Independent Living homes. The program nurtures a connection to Country, which is vital for identity, spiritual well-being and family reconnection.
The RTC program offers participants biannual, week-long visits to remote home communities, providing opportunities for cultural activities like bush food and medicine programs and reconnection with family and traditions. These visits significantly boost participant's mental health, sense of belonging and optimism for the future. Participants benefit from regular reconnection to Country, which fosters resilience, stress tolerance and a stronger sense of identity.
Purple Support's inspiration for the RTC Program, Paulette shared, "Returning to my Country has transformed my life. I feel more connected to my family and culture and I now help teach the younger generation. I'm healthier, more resilient and hopeful about the future".
