Collaborative Initiatives
Walking with Aboriginal People
Aboriginal Education in the Kimberley
The Sisters of St John of God first came to the Kimberley in 1907 and have worked tirelessly since then to increase their knowledge of the region's culture and traditions and the modern-day needs of its inhabitants.
Resources are directed primarily towards education through the Broome Catholic Campus of Notre Dame University. An "off-campus" Learning Centre at Beagle Bay for students undertaking Degrees, Diplomas and Certificate in education, and scholarships for Aboriginal students to pursue nurse training are two ongoing initiatives.
Scholarships are also provided for Aboriginal students to study at Notre Dame's Broome Catholic University, the scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation, books, uniforms and travel, including a semester break for travel back to their community.
The scholarships provide long term benefits for these communities as well as continuing the Sisters' commitment to regional and rural Aboriginal health and welfare.
Anawin Female Scholarship
The Sisters of St John of God provide a Scholarship grant to assist Aboriginal women undertake management studies at Curtin University.
Aboriginal Maternal and Child Health
St John of God Foundation provides funding to the TVW Telethon Institute for research into the indigenous community of the Goldfields east of Kalgoorlie to look at disease intervention and promotion of good hygiene and health in mothers and infants in outlying rural communities.
St Vincent de Paul Distribution Centre
St John of God Foundation has provided funding for the upgrade of new premises for a clothing and food distribution outlet co-ordinated by St Vincent de Paul and the Diocese of Broome for the marginalized community of Broome and surrounding districts.
Strong Women Strong Babies Strong Culture
The Sisters of St John of God have provided funding for a Strong Women Strong Babies Strong Culture program in Aboriginal communities of North West WA. The program aims to promote good health for pregnant Aboriginal women and their babies through better diet and improved early childhood development. Low birth weights have also been shown to influence the risk of chronic disease, such as diabetes, stroke and heart disease, in adult life.
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