In July 2015 Goondir commenced the implementation of the Big Buddy project.  Funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency, this 2 ½ year pilot project empowers Indigenous youth to achieve their full potential and thrive through mentorship, education, social interaction and promoting life skills.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Dalby and Oakey, aged 12 to 17yrs are supported to take advantage of the services and opportunities available to them. These include education, health, vocational training, cultural awareness and much more. The students are at the centre of designing a program of activities that meets their needs. A wide range of community organisations and mentors play a major role in assisting participating students to identify the things preventing them from achieving their goals and maximising their futures.
Key objectives of the Big Buddy Project are:
•    Improve education outcomes including year 12 attainment
•    Improve youth transition to vocation and higher education and work
Big Buddy Support Officer:
•    Works with Indigenous students, parents, mentors and community leaders to develop and deliver targeted activities
•    Supports students to build the skills needed to make healthy lifestyle choices
•    Links students to support agencies they may need to help them deal with issues impacting their lives.
The Big Buddy Project is funded under the National Indigenous Australians Agency until December 2020.

For further information call the Programs Coordinator at Goondir Health Services on 07 4662 0291.

  Big Buddy Program Overview PDF