Connecting to Country

Connection to Country is a core determinant of health and wellbeing for First Peoples. A growing number of our First Nations Partnerships are focusing on the health and wellbeing benefits of connection to and caring for Country.

A series of projects is being delivered as part of the Healthy Parks Healthy People - Connection to Country program. The following case studies provide a snapshot of how caring for Country can improve health and wellbeing outcomes.

Aboriginal Learning on Country - connecting to land and more

The Aboriginal Learning on Country program began in 2008 at Calperum Station in the Riverland, has enabled over 70 Aboriginal community members to gain employment and qualifications in caring for Country, with many continuing on in successful careers and small business.

Read more about the Aboriginal Learning on Country project.

Country Connections - Southern Alinytljara Wilurara region

This project provides on Country diversionary activities for Aboriginal people sleeping rough and living with drug and alcohol issues in Ceduna.

Read more about this Country Connections project.

Weena Mooga – Mexican Hat Women’s camp

Twenty five women from South Australia's far west coast attended a three day event that focussed on cultural knowledge exchange and developing a seasonal wheel.

Weena Mooga – Respect Sista Girls Camp

Respect Sista Girls is a women’s educational, wellbeing program which supports participants to use their cultural strengths to make positive changes in their lives.

Walking the South East Seasons with Nature in Mind

Nature in Mind launched in January 2017, a unique year-long program based on Weaving the South East Seasons Aboriginal calendar. The program gives young people the chance to contribute to environmental sustainability and experience the benefits of connecting to Country

Read more about the Nature in Mind project

This work is being further informed by a new Joint Statement of Action: Connection to Country for Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing., which has been developed with support from the Department for Environment and Water in partnership with the Department for Health and Wellbeing under the Healthy Parks Healthy People Program.