Tuesday, August 4, 2026
GYHSAC Community and Wellbeing staff and further employees have just wrapped up more than a week of specialist professional development with leading First Nations psychologist Dr Tracy Westerman, further strengthening the organisation's commitment to culturally safe mental health care.
The training brought together two nationally recognised workshops: Indigenous Mental Health, Complex Racial Trauma, Attachment and Suicide Prevention and Managing Cultural Load and Cultural Stress in the Workplace.
Over the past few days participants explored contemporary approaches to Aboriginal mental health, including the impacts of complex trauma, cultural identity, grief, attachment, depression, suicide prevention and culturally responsive assessment. Through practical case studies and evidence-based learning, staff developed additional skills to better support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experiencing mental health challenges.
A dedicated Indigenous-only workshop focused on recognising and managing cultural load, cultural stress and burnout. Staff examined the unique challenges First Nation workers can face when balancing professional responsibilities alongside cultural, family and community obligations, while developing practical strategies to strengthen resilience and personal wellbeing.
Dr Westerman, whose training programs have been delivered to an estimated 50,000 participants nationwide, is widely recognised for combining evidence-based psychological practice with deep cultural knowledge. Her practical approach equips participants with strategies that can be applied immediately to improve engagement, strengthen culturally safe practice and support better outcomes for Aboriginal communities.
The training reflects GYHSAC's ongoing investment in its workforce and its commitment to ensuring staff are equipped with the knowledge, confidence and culturally informed skills needed to continue delivering high-quality, compassionate care for the Yarrabah community.
