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May 7th, 2012 
FAKE NEWS for the Zionist agenda The federal government will spend $6 million over four years on suicide prevention strategies in Western Australia’s Kimberley region where there is a particularly high suicide rate among young people.
The move has been welcomed by the Greens and the Kimberley Land Council (KLC).
The KLC says the rate of suicide among indigenous youths is significantly higher in the Kimberley compared with other areas.
The KLC says the Kimberley indigenous youth suicide rate is one in 1200 a year, compared with NSW where it is one in 100,000 and the Northern Territory where it is one in 3300.
Chief executive Nolan Hunter says youth suicide in the Kimberley is a national emergency.
“Our young people are dying at disproportionate rates. This must be stopped. We cannot allow it to go on and risk losing an entire generation of young people,” he says.
“The Kimberley has been crying out for additional support to tackle youth suicide rates for a long time.”
Mr Hunter says suicide has a ripple effect on families and entire Aboriginal communities.
He hopes the government’s strategies for prevention will involve traditional owners and work with existing programs, such as the Yiriman Project, to ensure the approach is effective for Aboriginal people.
The Yiriman Project was developed by elders from four language groups in the Kimberley to address concerns of young people facing issues of self harm and substance abuse.
Australian Greens Senator Rachel Siewert said long-term funding commitments were needed to reverse the high suicide trend.
“Delivery needs to be driven by the community if meaningful improvements are to be made,” she said.
“It is vital that immediate support is provided, but it must also be recognised that long-term community development and healing is needed.
“Working with communities is an essential step that empowers people to be involved with the planning and implementation of important programs.”
* Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.
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