Growing the good life for WA families
The Derby Good Life Project was inspired by The Sunshine Project’s relational approach to growing the good life for families.
The Derby Good Life Project was developed by a group of community-based partners in the town of Derby in the West Kimberley region. Anglicare WA, Emama Nguda Aboriginal Corporation and Ngunga Group Women’s Aboriginal Corporation are working together with community and other supporters on initiatives that build on strengths in the local community.
The Outcomes
We support changes in rules and funding to help Aboriginal families and children in Derby live better lives.
Key elements so far have included:
- Providing recognition and respite for community members working hardest behind the scenes to keep families and the community strong
- Design and construction of a comfortable, landscaped outdoor space for traditional healers to deliver healing practices and train young healers
- Investigating short to medium food security solutions with scope for longer-term solutions
Key Activities and Outcomes:
Healing Circle: A private space designed for traditional healing practices, providing comfort and wellbeing for healers and training opportunities for young healers. This space supports cultural continuity and offers healing for those who have experienced child sexual abuse.
Community Heroes: Recognizing local leaders who have dedicated long-term efforts to supporting the community. This initiative provides respite and acknowledges grassroots contributors, strengthening relationships and community bonds.
Food Security: Distribution of food vouchers through Aboriginal Community Controlled Organizations (ACCOs) as a short-term measure, while exploring medium to long-term solutions for food security, such as community gardening projects.
Deep Listening: Strengthening trust and relationships with Aboriginal organizations and leaders by focusing on what is needed to grow the good life, leading to meaningful conversations and collaborations.
