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698 Dealing with diversity: child injury prevention strategies for a culturally diverse Western Australia
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  1. Katherine Celenza
  1. Kidsafe Western Australia, Australia

Abstract

Background Western Australia cannot be a one size fits all when it comes to child injury prevention, the size of the state and diversity of each region makes it important to have targeted and appropriate campaigns and resources. Perth is one of the most remote cities and the extent of the Western Australian state means that accessing parents and carers that are remote and isolated takes an important role in ensuring that resources and programs are targeted and specific to each region.

Description of problem Addressing a shortage of culturally appropriate information available for parents and carers of children on the prevention of common childhood injuries was the purpose of this program. Ensuring that messaging and resources specifically targeted high risk regional Aboriginal communities, were culturally appropriate and regionally specific to address the issue of child injury prevention in Western Australia. Kidsafe WA worked with individual regional and remote Aboriginal communities to adapt current programs and resources to specifically address each region and the injury issues associated. Ensuring messaging was specific, culturally appropriate and addressed local issues was key to targeting a diverse area.

Results This paper will outline what was learned through the consultation process undertaken with community members within regional Aboriginal communities throughout the Pilbara, Kimberley and Goldfields Region. It will focus on the strengths and weaknesses of existing practices, how the program has been evaluated and what the next step is in addressing the issues raised for reducing child injuries.

Conclusions The progression of this project towards a suite of resources available across WA has reinforced the need for targeted, specific resources, with a ‘one size fits all approach’ being inappropriate. Continued consultations with Aboriginal community groups throughout Western Australia has assisted in finalising resources and ensuring they are relevant and appropriate for use throughout Western Australia.

  • Aboriginal
  • Child
  • Injury
  • Consultation

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