Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services

What Are Specific Services for People from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Backgrounds?

Specific services for people from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander backgrounds are programs or supports that are made especially for First Nations peoples in Australia. These services understand and respect their culture, history, and way of life. They are designed to help meet the needs of individuals and communities in ways that feel safe, welcoming, and fair.

These services focus on many areas, such as health, learning, jobs, housing, family support, and community care. They aim to build trust and give support that respects both the person and their culture.

What Makes These Services Special?

Features of culturally sensitive services

These services are made with the help of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This means they are shaped by real voices, values, and traditions. Some of the ways they support people include:

  • Cultural understanding: The people who run these services respect and include cultural beliefs and ways of living.
  • Community support: They often involve family and community in decisions and care.
  • Safe spaces: Services are set up in places where people feel welcome and understood.
  • Language and communication: Some services use local languages or have workers who know how to speak in ways that feel right for the community.
  • Trusted leaders: Many services are run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups or people who are trained to give strong, respectful care.

Examples of These Services

  • Health clinics that focus on the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
  • Learning support programs that include culture and local knowledge.
  • Job training with mentors from the community.
  • Safe housing services that listen to family needs.
  • Mental and emotional support from workers who understand the stories and strength of the people.

Why These Services Matter

Specific services help people feel seen, heard, and respected. They are not just about help—they are about care that connects to who someone is and where they come from. These services build strength by standing with people, families, and communities every step of the way.

They also help others learn how to work together in a fair and respectful way.

Final Thoughts

Specific services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples bring support that respects both the person and their culture. They help build a stronger, more connected future for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Specific Services for People from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Backgrounds?

Specific services for people from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander backgrounds are programs or supports designed especially for First Nations peoples in Australia. They are created to respect their culture, history, and way of life, and help meet the needs of individuals and communities in ways that are safe, welcoming, and fair.

What areas of support do these specific services cover?

These services focus on many essential areas, including health, learning, employment (jobs), housing, family support, and community care. Their goal is to build trust and give support that respects both the person and their culture.

What makes these services different or "special"?

These services are made with the help of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, meaning they are shaped by their voices, values, and traditions. They are special because they offer cultural understanding, often involve family and community support, provide safe spaces, sometimes use local languages, and are frequently run by trusted Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups or leaders.

Can you give examples of these specific services?

Examples of these services include health clinics that focus on the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, learning support programs that incorporate culture and local knowledge, job training with community mentors, safe housing services that are mindful of family needs, and mental and emotional support from workers who understand the people's stories and strength.

More Glossary items

Whistleblower protections in aged care encourage people to speak up about wrongdoing without fear. These laws promote transparency, accountability, and safer care for everyone.
The Higher Everyday Living Fee (HELF) is a new optional charge in Australian aged care for residents who choose premium everyday living services. It enhances fairness and consumer protection by ensuring participation is voluntary, transparent, and supported by strong safeguards.
Dignity of Risk recognises every person’s right to make their own choices, even when those choices involve some level of risk. In aged care, it encourages carers to support informed decision-making rather than restrict autonomy, helping older people live meaningful and independent lives.
Australia’s Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS) is a national framework that protects older people in government-funded aged care by preventing, managing, and reporting serious incidents such as abuse, neglect, and unexpected deaths. It requires all Commonwealth-funded providers to maintain an incident management system and report priority incidents to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission within strict timeframes.
Security of tenure in aged care is a fundamental legal right that guarantees permanent residents a secure place to live, preventing them from being forced to leave their residential aged care home without a specific, legally defined reason. If an aged care provider must ask a resident to leave, they are required to follow a strict process, which includes finding suitable and affordable alternative accommodation before any move can occur.
Wellness is the ongoing practice of caring for your body, mind, and relationships to live a healthier, happier, and more balanced life.
A wallet check is the routine of reviewing your wallet to ensure you have all essential items like ID, cash, cards, and documents before leaving home.
The Veterans’ Supplement is a financial payment provided to eligible veterans to help with extra living and healthcare costs related to their military service.