Article: Deep understanding grows big support

Deep understanding grows big support

Since 1993 NPY Women’s Council has been working on the ground to support & advocate for the aged and people with disability in remote communities.

This deep understanding of local issues and needs has seen NPYWC’s Tjungu – Aged & Disability Service as a trusted place to seek support, care, respite and services.

NPY Women’s Council has worked with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for 8 years to advocate for the needs of people with disability and their families in remote communities.

Language barriers, a lack of services on the ground and transient living situations may mean that remote communities need a different model of support for accessing basic care available in urban centres.

Through our Support Coordination service, NPYWC is able to provide greater choice and control for remote clients who now have a lot more say on how and where they receive support such as:

– Respite

– Transport

– Allied Health services

– Participating in community activities

NPYWC’s understanding of the region and issues experienced by older people have led them to become subcontracted to provide home support assessments in our remote APY & NT communities and to people in Alice Springs.

These assessments are aimed at providing the supports needed to assist older people to live in their own homes for as long as possible with help as required for things like meals, shopping and keeping their houses and yards clean.

The Alice Springs service provides an additional income stream for NPYWC while providing expertise and much needed services on the ground.

Find out more about the Tjungu Aged & Disability Service

Child & Family Wellbeing

Ending confusion for remote families

In April, NPYWC held a meeting bringing together the Senior Executives of the Child Protection Services in WA, NT and SA. Senior Anangu Women raised their concerns about the challenges of having to navigate three different child protection systems. The meeting was a positive first step in developing a cross border Child Protection Framework, ensuring the unique needs of Anangu children and families are recognised and responded to in the child protection system.

“People talk to us too much and sometimes what they say doesn’t make sense. We’ve got things to say too, they need to listen to us, to take turns, and to use interpreters so that everyone understands.”

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Find out more about the NPYWC Child & Family Well-being Service

Domestic & Family Violence

Ending violence from the ground up

Ending violence in the community will occur when it is supported and championed by an individual and/or group who will act to lead the change. These are community advocates who are interspersed in the community itself. They are from the community and are positioned as leaders. There must be specific strategies aimed at building their capacity, confidence and skills to influence the hearts and minds of the community.’

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The NPYWC Domestic & Family Violence Service (DFVS) Women’s Advisory Group has met throughout 2021 in communities across the NPY Lands. The group includes DFVS workers, Anangu women and DV practitioners working together to deepen their knowledge on DV issues such as trauma and safe ways to work with women experiencing DV. The group shares stories of strength and explore how communities are showing resistance to violence.

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The group will work alongside the DFVS advising on strategies and the best ways to work with women experiencing DV. Their input will offer the best chance for developing effective responses and pathways.

We are all women here… getting stronger – WAG member

Read: Strengthening Community Capacity to End Violence

Find our more about our Domestic & Family Violence Service

NPY Women's Council is grounded in, and continues to live and work on, the sovereign Lands of the Arrernte people, and the Aṉangu and Yarnangu people - the rightful custodians of the Ngaanyatjarra, Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara Lands.

Deep understanding grows big support

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