First Nations students learn first aid through HIF partnership

First Nations students learn first aid through HIF partnership | Insurance Business Australia

Insurance News

First Nations students learn first aid through HIF partnership

Collaboration aims to foster leadership and emergency preparedness

Insurance News

By
Jonalyn Cueto

Health Insurance Fund of Australia (HIF), in collaboration with St John WA (SJWA) and Binar Futures, has launched a first aid training program aimed at empowering First Nations children.

This program, held at Moorditj Noongar Community College in Midland in August, is part of a broader goal to promote health equity and life-saving skills within Indigenous communities. The partnership is designed to ensure that Indigenous youth not only learn essential first aid skills but also grow in confidence and leadership.

Justin James, CEO of HIF, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating it was particularly meaningful to see two key community partnerships supported by HIF come together.

“Our partnerships with Binar Futures and St John WA promote community health equity and first aid awareness in schools,” said James. “This training could ultimately help save lives. First aid is a great skill to learn from a young age and helps create positive futures for First Nations children and their communities.”

Equipping youth with lifesaving skills

The first aid classes, conducted by SJWA through their “First Aid Focus” program, offer students a wide range of age-appropriate skills. The program spans from pre-kindergarten to Year 12, offering free in-school training that focuses on empowering students to take the right actions during healthcare crises.

“St John WA, with HIF’s generous support, are teaching young First Nations children the importance of looking after one another,” said Angel Robins, SJWA’s sustainability manager. “It’s important that this first aid is culturally appropriate, which is why we involve First Nations elders in the training, to keep it meaningful and engaging for how they would use it in their everyday lives.”

Binar Futures, a not-for-profit organisation, has been a longstanding partner with Moorditj Noongar Community College. According to a news release, the initiative aligns with Binar Futures’ mission to support Indigenous children through sports, education, and leadership programs.

“Moorditj and Binar share a common vision to ensure children are well supported to be lifelong learners, proud of their culture and building a strong future for themselves, their families and their community,” said Adam Desmond, founder and executive director of Binar Futures.

HIF also supports a weekly homework class for the students at Moorditj Noongar Community College.

By combining cultural awareness and practical skills, this initiative provides First Nations children with essential tools to build stronger, healthier communities.

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