Yalari Alumna Working to Support Indigenous Mental Health
Recently, Yalari alumna Kaleishia Ross (class of 2014) started work at Headspace in Katherine as the Aboriginal Wellbeing Worker.
Below is a message written by Kaleisha explaining her new role, and it’s importance in the community.
“Hey Everyone, my name is Kaleishia Ross. I am from and live in Katherine in the Northern Territory. In 2010 I was awarded the Rosemary Bishop Scholarship; I have graduated in 2014 at Scotch College in Adelaide.
I currently work at headspace in Katherine and I am the Aboriginal Wellbeing Worker. Headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation that provides early intervention to young people between 12 and 25 years. The service covers 4 core areas: mental health, physical health, work and study support and alcohol and other drugs.
My role is to provide responsive and culturally appropriate and safe support to young Aboriginal people experiencing difficulties in access to mental health care. Including the consideration of mental health difficulties, social, intergenerational trauma, alcohol and drug issues and engagement in education or employment, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. I am required to assist with referrals and engagements with private providers at headspace Katherine.
I love that I have been given this opportunity to further my skills and to expand my understanding and knowledge on mental health and encouraging my people with the stigma of mental health and issues we as Aboriginal people face.
I maintain a healthy headspace by being active and playing a range of sports, keeping connected to my family, friends and culture. And taking the time to balance work, sleep and being a mum.”
It is currently Mental Awareness Month, and it’s amazing to see a Yalari alumna in such an important role, helping towards this cause and giving back to community.
If you would like further information about Headspace and the work they do please visit: https://headspace.org.au/.


Recently, Yalari alumna Kaleishia Ross (class of 2014) started work at Headspace in Katherine as the Aboriginal Wellbeing Worker.
Below is a message written by Kaleisha explaining her new role, and it’s importance in the community.
“Hey Everyone, my name is Kaleishia Ross. I am from and live in Katherine in the Northern Territory. In 2010 I was awarded the Rosemary Bishop Scholarship; I have graduated in 2014 at Scotch College in Adelaide.
I currently work at headspace in Katherine and I am the Aboriginal Wellbeing Worker. Headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation that provides early intervention to young people between 12 and 25 years. The service covers 4 core areas: mental health, physical health, work and study support and alcohol and other drugs.
My role is to provide responsive and culturally appropriate and safe support to young Aboriginal people experiencing difficulties in access to mental health care. Including the consideration of mental health difficulties, social, intergenerational trauma, alcohol and drug issues and engagement in education or employment, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. I am required to assist with referrals and engagements with private providers at headspace Katherine.
I love that I have been given this opportunity to further my skills and to expand my understanding and knowledge on mental health and encouraging my people with the stigma of mental health and issues we as Aboriginal people face.
I maintain a healthy headspace by being active and playing a range of sports, keeping connected to my family, friends and culture. And taking the time to balance work, sleep and being a mum.”
It is currently Mental Awareness Month, and it’s amazing to see a Yalari alumna in such an important role, helping towards this cause and giving back to community.
If you would like further information about Headspace and the work they do please visit: https://headspace.org.au/.
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Yalari respects our Elders, past and present, and acknowledges that our office is on Kombumerri country within the lands of the Yugambeh language group
(07) 5665 8688
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4 Helensvale Road, Helensvale QLD 4212