New Road Trauma Support WA Resources
Road Trauma Support WA (RTSWA) has developed a series of culturally designed resources to support Aboriginal people and communities impacted by road trauma.
The resources cover a range of topics, including driving anxiety, sleep difficulties, understanding RTSWA’s counselling service, supporting grieving children, and navigating Sorry Business after road trauma.
The resources were co-created by RTSWA’s Aboriginal Engagement Coordinator, Justin Martin, a Noongar man with connections throughout the South West and Mid West of Western Australia. Justin recognised the importance of creating resources that felt welcoming, culturally meaningful and easy to understand.
“When I first saw the fact sheets, I felt they weren’t very inviting for Aboriginal viewers,” Justin said. “I wanted to bring in more culture, colour and connection.”
Soft, earthy colours and community symbols were carefully chosen throughout the designs to reflect wellbeing, support and the importance of coming together as a community.
Justin hopes these resources encourage people impacted by road trauma to seek support and know that they do not have to go through it alone.
“A lot of people just live with it after a major crash or traumatic event,” he said. “Having these resources available in community settings can help people realise there is support available.”
RTSWA provides free counselling and support services to people affected by road trauma across Western Australia, including those directly involved in a crash, witnesses, family members, friends and first responders.