This month’s featured service is Burndawan, an online program and informational website about harmful behaviours from a partner or family member for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. As we approach the start of NAIDOC week, celebrating and recognising the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, we wanted to highlight a First Nations service.

Burndawan is a service built for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with insights from First Nations communities. It addresses harmful behaviours within First Nations families, an issue not often focused on by other digital mental health resources developed for First Nations people.

About Burndawan

Burdawan is a resource created by researchers at the University of Melbourne with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living on Wadawurrung Country. It is designed for Aboriginal people seeking information or support about harmful behaviours from a partner or family member in a culturally safe space. The burndawan website includes an online program and information to help users determine their needs, plan for their safety, seek healing and wellbeing.

The Burdawan online program aims to provide a safe space for users to assess their relationships so can be undertaken anonymously with only a few background questions. It provides information and advice for anyone experiencing family violence, worried about someone else, or worried about their own behaviour, as well as recommending strategies and ways to access further support.

Burndawan also provides information about organisations available to Aboriginal and Non-indigenous users seeking support or information about family violence. The website also includes a quick exit feature for anyone accessing the website who may need to leave the website quickly for their safety.

Who is Burndawan for?

Burndawan is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people concerned about harmful behaviours from a partner of family member, worried about someone else or worried about their own behaviour.

Is there a cost to access Burdawan?

There is no cost to use Burdawan.

How to access Burdawan

Burdawan can be accessed online at https://burndawan.com.au/

When starting the programs users create an account by registering their gender, parental status and age before being presented with a code. They can log back in to the program at any time using this code.