First Nations Young People
Support for First Nations young people
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people living in Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula can access local services and community organisations that can help you stay connected to culture, improve your wellbeing, access education and employment support, and connect with other young people. These services are culturally safe and many are led by Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations that understand the importance of culture, community and Country.
Frankston City Council respectfully acknowledges the traditional owners, the Bunurong people, as the custodians of this land. We pay respect to all Aboriginal community Elders, past and present, who have resided in the area and have been an integral part of the history of the region.
Mornington Peninsula Shire acknowledges the Bunurong people, who have been the custodians of this land for many thousands of years; and pays respect to their Elders past and present. We acknowledge that the land on which we meet is the place of age-old ceremonies, celebrations, initiation and renewal; and that the Bunurong people's living culture continues to have a unique role in the life of this region.
VACCA – Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency
VACCA is Victoria's leading Aboriginal community-controlled organisation supporting children, young people and families. They provide support for young people, education engagement, family support, cultural programs, mentoring and advocacy. They also maintain an Aboriginal Services Directory.
Services include:
Family support
Education support
Housing and homelessness assistance
Cultural programs
Therapeutic services
Youth programs
Nairm Marr Djambana (Gathering by the Bay)
A culturally safe community gathering place for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Frankston offering cultural programs, youth activities, mentoring, wellbeing support and community events. This is often one of the first places young people are referred to for cultural connection and support. Programs include:
Youth groups
Cultural activities
Playgroups
Men's groups
Community events
Cultural strengthening programs
Visit the Nairm Marr Djambana website
Address: 32 Nursery Avenue, Frankston VIC 3199
Phone: (03) 9783 1521
Health & Wellbeing
headspace Frankston
Youth mental health support for young people aged 12–25.
Services include:
Mental health support
Counselling
Alcohol and other drug support
Work and study support
First Nations-inclusive services
Yarn Safe
headspace’s Yarn Safe program was developed with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and promotes culturally safe mental health support and wellbeing resources.
First Peoples' Healing Program – Windana
Provides culturally safe health, mental health, wellbeing and allied health services for First Nations people. Their Frankston service is particularly valuable for students experiencing mental health, wellbeing or family challenges.
Services available across the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula region.
Phone: (03) 9532 0811
Koorie Education Support & Pathways
Koorie Education Support Officers (KESOs) from the Department of Education and Training are here to help if you're thinking about leaving school or returning to education.
Contact a Koorie Education Coordinator
Other key education contacts:
Department of Education: Koorie Unit
The Marrung Strategy ensures that all Koorie Victorians achieve their learning aspirations.
Chisholm Institute: Koorie Student Support
Koorie Outcomes Division
Phone: 1800 338 663
Email: marrung@education.vic.gov.au
Contact details: Koorie education coordinators
General Wellbeing & Referral Services
These organisations offer support for young people around mental health, emotional wellbeing, personal development, and navigating life’s ups and downs.
Headspace – Free mental health and wellbeing support for young people aged 12–25.
Beyond Blue – Resources and support for anxiety, depression and suicide prevention.
Reach Workshops – Personal development workshops for young people, focused on resilience and confidence.
Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (Vic) – State government services supporting youth, family, housing and more.
Youth Central – Get Involved – Opportunities for young people to get involved in programs and leadership initiatives.
Mornington Peninsula Youth Services (MPYS) – Local support, events and programs for young people on the Mornington Peninsula.
Thrive Hub - Brotherhood SL - Tailored to meet the unique needs of each community, Thrive Hubs collaborate with industry experts, training providers, and individuals with lived experience to develop effective employment and educational pathways.
Koorie Health & Support Services
Access health support and referrals through dedicated Aboriginal programs in the region.
Peninsula Health - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Services
Peninsula Health supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula. Services include youth and family programs, school holiday activities, health support, referrals and advocacy.
Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officers – Phone: (03) 9788 1700 or Email: AboriginalHospitalLO@phcn.vic.gov.au
ACCESS (General support and referrals) – Phone: 1300 665 781
Victorian Aboriginal Health Service: Bunjilwarra Youth Healing Service
Bunjilwarra is a residential healing and recovery service specifically for Aboriginal young people experiencing alcohol or other drug issues. Located on the Mornington Peninsula
Phone: (03) 8658 6440
Email: bunjilwarraintake@vahs.org.au
