Better health and ageing for all Australians

Historical publications

Djirruwang Program

An external evaluation of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health) Djirruwang Program.

In this section:

The Djirruwang Program is an undergraduate degree course of study known as the Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health) conducted by the Charles Sturt University at Wagga Wagga, New South Wales. It is targeted at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (restricted entry) to obtain tertiary qualifications in the field of mental health.

The Program adheres to the following objectives:

  1. To raise awareness in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities of mental health as a desirable career option;
  2. To maintain and increase student satisfaction, support, and competence;
  3. To develop linkages with industry, community and other key organisations to build the professionalism and status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Bachelor of Health (Mental Health) course graduates;
  4. To establish additional pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people into mental health careers;
  5. To enhance access of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to tertiary level mental health qualifications; and
  6. To encourage other tertiary education providers and faculties within and outside of the University to enhance their support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to gain mental health qualifications.

To download the evaluation in PDF format, click on the links below. If you would like more information about this evaluation, please contact OATSIH Enquiries or call 02 6289 5291 in Australia.


Evaluation Team:

Ms Jenny Grosvenor: Senior Lecturer, Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health
Dr Ros Montague: Program Director, NSW Institute of Psychiatry
Mr Tyrone Toomey: Cultural Specialist MH worker, Seconded Greater Western AHS
Mr Rich Glover NSWIOP Accountant Project’s Financial Advisor