Narrogin’s KEEDAC strengthens mental health program with community grant and hosts NAIDOC morning tea

Narrogin’s Kaata-Koorliny Employment and Enterprise Development Aboriginal Corporation has used a community grant to bolster its mental health program. KEEDAC has been working within the Narrogin and Northam communities for the past 24 years. The Narrogin KEEDAC branch recently received a $1000 community grant from Kleenheat which went towards equipment for the community hub on Federal Street. The grant helped stock the fully operational kitchen which is used to cater for workshops, activities and training sessions. KEEDAC chief executive Leanne Kickett said providing social meals and hosting workshops was an important part of the mental health program. “One of our programs is around mental health so we support clients who have mental health issues,” she said. “We used some of the grant to buy crockery to provide lunches, morning teas and breakfasts. “Our hub is open five days a week and we run activities their like painting, making jewellery and drawing, but people can also just pop in and have a cup of tea and do a bit of socialising when there is other people there.” In 2021, KEEDAC ran a Certificate IV course in Mental Health in Narrogin which was undertaken by 10 students who attained their qualification. KEEDAC also worked with Northam and Narrogin TAFE to provide Certificates II and III in Community Support with the aim of recruiting the qualified students to join local teams. To mark the start of NAIDOC week, KEEDAC hosted a morning tea at the community centre on July 4. Elder Basil “Pop” Kickett did the welcome to country before several presentations from organisations such as Southern Aboriginal Corporation, Holyoake and TAFE. Painted portraits of Narrogin Elders were on display and there was traditional food on offer, such as kangaroo stew and damper.