Celebrating Strength, Culture and Connection on National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day
- Shane Warren
- Aug 4
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 24
MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
4 August 2025
The Vocational Mental Health Practitioners Association of Australia (VMHPAA) proudly joins communities across the nation in celebrating National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and cultural pride of First Nations children.
Held every year on August 4, this day is a time to acknowledge the pivotal role that culture, identity, and community connection play in the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. It is also a time to reaffirm our collective responsibility to ensure all children grow up strong in spirit, proud in culture, and supported by systems that understand and honour their heritage.
“Every child deserves to feel safe, seen, and culturally supported,” said Shane Warren, Chair of VMHPAA. “Today we not only celebrate the joy and vibrancy of Indigenous children, but we also call for deeper investments in culturally connected care and support at all levels starting with mental health services that are community-embedded and trauma-informed.”
Vocationally trained counsellors, youth workers, lived experience practitioners, and cultural mentors play a vital role in providing front-line support that is accessible, locally relevant, and grounded in respect for cultural traditions and storytelling.
“We see every day how vital it is for First Nations children and families to have trusted, culturally safe professionals by their side,” said Susan Sandy, VMHPAA Secretary and long-time relationship counsellor. “Empowering our children starts with listening to them, walking beside them, and creating systems that don’t ask them to change who they are to be supported.”
VMHPAA calls for:
Recognition of vocationally trained professionals as critical partners in early intervention and youth mental health
Expansion of trauma-informed, culturally safe training for all practitioners working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
Greater collaboration with Elders, community leaders, and First Nations organisations to inform care models that uphold culture as healing
On this important day, VMHPAA stands in solidarity with Indigenous communities to celebrate children’s voices, advocate for their futures, and promote culturally responsive care at every level of the mental health system.
Media Contact:
Shane Warren, Chair
Susan Sandy, Secretary
Philip Armstrong, CEO
VMHPAA
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