The term social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) is used by many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to describe the social, emotional, spiritual and cultural wellbeing of a person. The term recognises their connection to land, sea, culture, spirituality, family and community which are important to people and impact on their wellbeing.
A person’s health is also influenced by non-medical factors like housing and living arrangements, education, and employment and job security.
Connection to Country
In 2021, North Coast Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander survey participants shared their feedback1
Housing
It is estimated that there are 1,566 non-Aboriginal applicants over 55 years in our region on the waiting list for social housing (DCJ 2018)2. The estimate of Aboriginal applicants is around 2,500 in 2019 and is projected to rise to 4,215 by 2040.
Education
Unemployment
Aboriginal workforce unemployment is higher in Healthy North Coast than in NSW and Australia
Labour force participation in Healthy North Coast by Aboriginal people is lower than in NSW and Australia
Unemployment and lack of opportunities for employment in community settings are described as two of the many risk factors to connection to mind and emotions, and connection to community for Aboriginal people.
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land we live and work, the Bundjalung, Arakwal, Yaegl, Gumbaynggirr, Githabul, Dunghutti and Birpai Nations, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to elders past, present and future.
