The Make FASD History project has been successfully completed. Over the last two and a half years the medical team at Patches Paediatrics diagnosed 16 children with FASD and worked with the local families in Leonora to prepare applications for NDIS funding for the children diagnosed with FASD.
Bruce Dufty worked with the local community to advise and assist in the establishment of a Leonora Aboriginal Residents and Community Corporation (LARCC), to discuss and manage their affairs for the betterment of the entire community. Bruce also worked closely with the Leonora Youth Group to develop activities to occupy the young people, keep them attending school, attending bush camps and sex education classes. The project team also sponsored the development of educational YouTube videos on the dangers of drinking during pregnancy and FASD. The Leonora family films were produced by students from John Paul College in Kalgoorlie as part of their media studies.
These films to be broadcast on the local social media network in Leonora. The films can be viewed here.
Overall, this project was very worthwhile although the real success was not what we expected at the start of the project. The medical diagnoses were a very expensive part of the project and the feedback from the local Community was "we already knew FASD was a problem, what can we do about it". The work done to apply for NDIS funding for the children diagnosed with FASD was an important outcome from the medical team. We expect a number of the children diagnosed with FASD to receive NDIS funding.
A large emphasis was put on working with the local Community to help them establish their own priorities and work towards achieving the best outcomes for their community. This work with the Leonora Aboriginal Residents and Community Corporation and the Youth Group has made significant progress in getting the different families and Community city groups to work together for everyone's benefit. Children, particularly boys, are staying at school longer and there is evidence of a greater awareness of the dangers of alcohol and teen pregnancy. This is considered the greatest achievement and is expected to provide a lasting benefit to the community.
Rotary continues to work with the Leonora Aboriginal Residents and Community Corporation (LARCC) and with the Youth group to strengthen the community, through economic, social and community development. We are sponsoring youth group activities e.g., basketball camps and hope to sponsor young people to attend RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awareness) camps. Through engaging and empowering the young people we believe we will help them make better choices and therefore decrease the incidence of FASD.
Louise Hancock
Chair Make FASD History Project