Aim The aim of this comic book is to create a greater understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth mental health and bullying. The story also highlights the longstanding contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to the modern Australian way of life, and the need for better recognition.
Visionaries The Great Debate comic book is an initiative of Central West Hospital and Health Service in collaboration with workshop participants under the creative leadership of Damian Amamoo. This project was funded by Queensland Health through the Making Tracks towards closing the gap in health outcomes for Indigenous Queenslanders by 2033: Investment Strategy 2018-2021.
Workshops Workshops to develop the storyline and scripts included creative contributions from Barcaldine State School students and Central West Hospital and Health Service Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers.
Thanks to:
Central West HHS
What is mental health? Mental health is your emotional, personal, social and spiritual sense of balance at any point in time. Mental health is also a state of well being where you are meeting your learning potential, coping with normal stresses and connecting to community and friends.
• 1300 MH CALL
1300 642 255
• CW Mental Health, Alcohol
and Other Drugs Service
4652 7951
Local partners
What is bullying?
• LIVES LIVED WELL
Bullying is an ongoing misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or anti-social behaviour that causes physical and/or psychological harm. It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power over one or more persons. Bullying can happen in person or online, and it can be obvious or hidden. Bullying of any form or for any reason can have long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders.
• RFDS
4652 5800
• Outback Futures
0417 703 729
External contacts • Kids Helpline
Where can I get support?
1300 727 957
1800 551 800
• e-headspace
Talk to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker, nurse, psychologist or doctor at your local clinic. They will provide confidential support and work with you to help you through tough times. Alpha Aramac Barcaldine Bedourie
4809 7002 4652 9000 4651 1598 4746 1226
Jericho Jundah Longreach Muttaburra
4651 4235 4658 6500 4658 3866 4658 7500
Birdsville Blackall Boulia Isisford
4656 3245 4657 8200 4746 2300 4658 8500
Tambo Windorah Winton
4621 7100 4656 6100 4657 2755
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Team Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Team provides support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the following communities: Alpha, Barcaldine, Blackall, Longreach, Winton, Aramac, Bedourie, Birdsville, Boulia, Isisford, Jericho, Jundah, Muttaburra, Tambo and Windorah.
https://headspace.org.au/ contact-us/ • Youth Beyond Blue 1300 224 636
We would like to thank the following talented people for their assistance in developing the storyline: Patrick Bedourie, Sydney McDonald, Nicole Landers, Olivia Raftos, Jack and Shelby Dwyer, Jadharl Mayer, Michael Wilde, Liam Walden, Arika Frazer, Karma Kelly, Kerry Thompson, Ronell Patuwai, Kisha Neville, Parker Dancey and Greg Cutler