Monday marked a proud and powerful moment for the Katherine community with the opening of the Strongbala Minds Walk-In Talk-In Space, a culturally-led Medicare Mental Health Centre that blends cultural wisdom with clinical care.
Led by the Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation and born from the vision of the Banatjarl Strongbala Wimun Group, the culturally-led Medicare Mental Health Centre stands as a testament to what can be achieved when local leadership, lived experience, and government partnership come together with a shared commitment to community care.
Located in Katherine's Woolworths precinct, the space is welcoming — a calm, inclusive environment where anyone can walk in and be met with understanding. This is a "no wrong door" service, ensuring everyone — no matter their age, background, or level of need — receives support.
At the official opening, Elders, service providers, cultural leaders, and community members gathered to mark the occasion with a heartfelt smoking ceremony, storytelling, and shared pride in the journey that brought the space to life.
"We have a rich history of caring for Country and sharing Country," said Jawoyn Chairperson Lisa Mumbin.
"As we look after Country and cultural ways, we also find that Country is Medicine, and our old ways can support us with healing and wellbeing."
This cultural wisdom lies at the heart of Strongbala Minds. The service blends clinical and cultural support, connecting clients not just with mental health professionals and telehealth, but also with Elders, cultural healing programs, and on-country activities, that are initiated by the season as run through the Banatjarl Strongbala Wimun Group studio space and the Mungguy Mans Grup.
TeamHEALTH, one of the service partners, reflected on the power of collaboration in delivering care that meets people where they are.
"Strong service collaboration and Two Ways learning is essential in responding to the Katherine community," said Julia Wormer, Executive Manager Mental Health at TeamHEALTH.
"We are proud to support this co-location arrangement and to walk alongside Jawoyn and Banatjarl in improving mental health outcomes."
The service offers a wide range of supports, including: Immediate help for individuals, families, and carers; culturally appropriate men's and women's mental health services; a sensory room to help regulate stress; free, private telehealth access; cultural and clinical care planning with Mental Health Clinicians; and ongoing connection and referral pathway to housing, health, employment, and social support services
Perhaps most importantly, it offers something too often missing in mainstream services: a place to feel safe, seen, and heard.
Lazarus Manbulloo, Jawoyn man and leader for the cultural men's activities said: "It takes time, it takes understanding. It takes balance of western ways and cultural ways."
"We here are in a small town, we are all in this together — and now we've created this space for all people, no matter their background," he said.
The initiative, supported by NT Primary Health Network, the Australian government's Department of Health and Aged Care, and multiple local partners, is more than a mental health centre; It is a symbol of strength, sovereignty, and what's possible when community takes the lead.
As Strongbala Minds begins its journey, the message is clear: healing is here, and everyone is welcome.
More information is available at: https://www.jawoyn.org.au/our-enterprises/#stongbala-minds.
