Wellbeing connected to culture, Country and community 

For many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, wellbeing is often understood in a holistic way. It may be shaped by connection to culture, Country, community, family and identity. 

These connections can be a source of strength, belonging and healing. They may also influence how wellbeing is experienced and supported over time. 

For First Nations veterans and families of veterans, experiences such as service, transition, relocation, grief, loss or changes in family and community roles can affect connection and wellbeing in different ways. 

There is no single way to define wellbeing. It is personal and may look different from one person to another. 

Research and lived experience show that wellbeing may include: 

• physical, social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing 
• connection to family, kin and community 
• culture, language and identity 
• connection to Country and place 

What wellbeing can include 

Wellbeing may include many connected parts of life, such as: 

• Culture and identity 
• Country and place 
• Family, kin and community 
• Physical and mental wellbeing 
• Spiritual and emotional wellbeing 

These parts of wellbeing are connected and may affect one another. 

Why it matters 

Strong connection can support wellbeing across all stages of life. 

It can provide: 

• a sense of belonging and identity 
• support during times of change or uncertainty 
• connection to community and shared experiences 
• strength and resilience 

When these connections are disrupted, people may experience feelings of loss, disconnection or uncertainty. 

Recognising and supporting these connections can be an important part of health and wellbeing. 

What wellbeing can look like and how it can be supported 

Wellbeing can look different for each person and may be supported in different ways over time. It may include: 

• spending time on Country or reconnecting with important places 
• maintaining connection to culture, community and identity 
• strengthening relationships with family, kin, Elders or trusted supports 
• participating in cultural, spiritual or community activities, including language and traditions 
• learning about or deepening connection to culture and identity 
• seeking support from services that feel safe, respectful and culturally appropriate when needed 

These supports may look different at different times in life. 

If things feel challenging 

There may be times when wellbeing feels harder to maintain. 

This might happen because of: 

• disconnection from Country, culture or community 
• changes in health, housing, finances or relationships 
• stress, grief, trauma or life transitions 

These experiences can affect different parts of life at once. 

Getting support 

Support may come from family, kin, community, Elders, health professionals or services that understand and respect culture. 

Seeking support can be a positive step towards restoring balance and connection.