Walgett and Bourke are set to receive a boost to early intervention services, after an Indigenous not-for-profit secured funding under the Safe and Strong Families to commence culturally safe support programs for victim-survivors of family and domestic violence.

Dubbo-based Regional Enterprise Development Institute (REDI.E) is planning to begin a program called 'Bounce Back', in collaboration with Dubbo-based Rawson psychologists and consultants.

'Bounce Back' is an evidence-based program that teaches resilience to primary school-aged children who have been affected by family and domestic violence.

General Manager of the Youth Family and First Nation Languages Service Division at REDI.E Kevin Jones said it provides early intervention for children who need it most.

"Children who learn resilience and coping skills are less likely to come into contact with the justice system later in life," he said.

"The program works with the child's support system, and it is tailored to create an individual plan for each child."

'Bounce Back' is expected to start in the coming weeks at Walgett Community College Primary School.

REDI.E is one of the Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) who were given funding to provide culturally safe services for women and children impacted by domestic and family violence under the National Partnership Agreement for Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence Responses 2021-30.

“As an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation with a long-standing history of delivering vital services in Walgett, REDI.E is proud to have secured the Safe and Strong Families funding to strengthen our work addressing domestic and family violence in both community and school settings," said Kevin.

Funded with $13 million under the National Partnership Agreement, Safe and Strong focuses on supporting both victim-survivors of domestic and family violence.

“This funding allows us to continue working in close partnership with the Department of Communities and Justice, local Aboriginal governance groups, schools, and the broader community to create a safer, stronger future for the families of Walgett."

If there is enough support for the program from the community, REDI.E could also look into expanding it to Walgett Community College High School.

REDI.E already has several programs aimed at helping families and communities in the Western Plains region.

Rawson Psychologists and Consultants already partner with REDI.E to provide 'Safer Together', a program that spreads awareness about domestic violence within Western Plains communities.

In Bourke and Wilcannia, REDI.E are about to commence a youth service, which will involve a night patrol bus that drives around town and offers lifts to young people.

The service also gives them access to structured activities with REDI.E.

In Coonamble, they recently secured funding through the NSW Homelessness Innovation Fund to renovate three bedrooms to create youth crisis accommodation.

The crisis accommodation is expected to open in the coming weeks.