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New chapter for Yorgum

14 Jul 2016

WA Indigenous healing and family counselling service Yorgum Aboriginal Corporation has celebrated receiving title to its operational base in East Perth.

Yorgum was the first Indigenous-staffed and managed counselling service provider in Australia and has influenced the development and delivery of other Indigenous specific support services across the country.

Established in 1991 by a group of Indigenous women, Yorgum responded to the need to provide Indigenous-specific counselling and advocacy services.
The ILC purchased the Bramall Street site for Yorgum in May 2014 for $1.15m. The purchase has enabled Yorgum to provide dedicated facilities for its broad range of culturally appropriate wrap-around services, complementing the more main stream clinical model. This has allowed a greater range of therapies and activities to support Yorgum’s growing clientele.

ILC Chairperson Eddie Fry said Yorgum is providing an important service to the Indigenous community.
“Yorgum has grown to become the largest service provider of its kind and the sole Indigenous provider of Indigenous family counselling support in WA.”
“The grant of the building by the ILC is the foundation for the next stage of Yorgum’s growth and this will lead to increased counselling and support services for Indigenous people throughout Western Australia,” Mr Fry said.

Yorgum Chairperson Colin Phillips said the granting of title was a significant milestone for the organisation.

“Yorgum currently employs more than 40 staff and has a strong record of service delivery within the Western Australian Aboriginal community,” Mr Phillips said.

“Recent programs include support for Stolen Generation clients, counselling and support for adults and children witnessing or experiencing family violence or sexual abuse and support for people participating in the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

 “I wish to acknowledge the determination of our Board and Staff in reaching their goal of owning this property and I would like to thank the ILC for its continued commitment and support,” Mr Phillips said

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