Posted in Age care

This year, NAIDOC Week marks a powerful milestone: 50 years of honouring and elevating Indigenous voices, culture, and resilience. This year’s theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy,” is a celebration of those who came before us, those leading today, and the young leaders shaping tomorrow. 

At Southcare, we proudly walk alongside our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to support that future — strong in culture, bold in vision, and deeply grounded in the legacy of Elders and ancestors. 

Our Aboriginal Family Support Officer, Beverley, a proud Noongar woman, sees this week as a reflection of everything that connects us — from culture and care to courage and community. 

“This year’s theme reminds us that the next generation is watching, listening and learning. What we do now – how we support, speak up, and stay strong – becomes part of their legacy,” Beverley says. 

“At Southcare, I get to work with families and individuals every day to build strength, share knowledge and create pathways for a better future.” 

Here are some of the ways Beverley and Southcare’s support can help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to carry that legacy forward: 

1. Writing Support Letters 

We help prepare letters for you that you can send to support services and other organisations to explain your situation clearly and seek further assistance. Whether it’s for housing, Centrelink, employment or more — we’ll have a yarn, understand what you want to say, and get your story on paper. You can take a printed copy or we can send it for you. 

2. Advocating with Housing Services 

We can speak on your behalf to the Department of Communities for anything related to your housing and living arrangements. Whether it’s rental arrears, property inspections or advocating for safer housing — we use our voice to support yours. Everyone deserves a safe home, and we’re here to make sure you are too. 

3. Referrals and Community Connections 

Having helped Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for 40+ years, we have lots of connections with lots of communities.  We can connect you with these people or agencies so you can get the right kind of help in the right way. If we don’t offer the support you need, we know who does. 

4. Attending Appointments Together 

We understand appointments can be stressful. We can come with you, help you ask the right questions and make sure nothing is missed or misunderstood. Together, we help youbuild confidence and clarity. 

5. Having a Yarn 

Need a chat? We offer a safe, private and welcoming space where you can sit down, share your story, and feel heard. We’ll put the kettle on, listen without judgement, and help you feel stronger moving forward. 

Southcare’s Aboriginal Family Support Service is based in Manning, supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Como, Karawara, Kensington, Manning, Salter Point, South Perth and Waterford. Beverley’s caring hands can help with compassion, cultural understanding and decades of experience. 

Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome and will be seen in order of arrival. 

Call Beverley on 9450 6233 if you need support or refer someone who does. Our caring hands are always here to help. 

This NAIDOC Week, we honour the strength of our ancestors, the vision of today’s leaders, and the legacy we’re creating for the next generation. 

Southcare acknowledges the Whadjuk Noongar people as the traditional owners of the land on which we work. We pay our respects to Elders past and present — and recognise the emerging leaders who will carry that fire into the future. 

Posted in Age care