Rockingham Step Up Step Down in Western Australia has celebrated 10 years of supporting people experiencing mental health challenges and providing recovery-oriented support in the community.
More than 30 people, including current and former residents and staff, family members, cultural leaders, community organisations, health partners and local representatives, recently came together to mark the service's 10th birthday.
Known locally as 'Kwelena' ('Dolphin' in Noongar language), Rockingham Step Up Step Down provides short-term residential support for people experiencing mental health challenges who may be at risk of requiring hospital admission, or who are transitioning back into the community following a hospital stay.
The service supports people aged 18-64 in the Rockingham, Kwinana and Peel areas, and is delivered in partnership with South Metropolitan Health Service. Mind General Manager Western Australia Operations, Anoushka Wootton, said the anniversary was an opportunity to celebrate Kwelena's history and the community the service has fostered over the past 10 years.
"Connection has always been at the heart of Kwelena," Anoushka said.
"It was wonderful to see so many people who have been part of Kwelena's journey come together and celebrate what the service and its community have achieved over the past 10 years."
The celebration began with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony led by Uncle Steve Jacobs, who also unveiled an artwork depicting the local area and culturally important locations.
A co-created mosaic celebrating the service's connection to the Rockingham community and coastal environment was also unveiled. Created over four months by approximately 50 contributors, each tile in the 'Kwelena Dolphin' mosaic carries the mark of a shared journey.
The initials hidden beneath the mosaic's surface are a reminder that, even when people move on, their contribution, strength, and connection remain part of something greater.
Former Kwelena resident Destinee acted as the event's MC, while another former resident shared his experience of the service and the connections he has maintained within the community. City of Rockingham Mayor Lorna Buchan spoke about the importance of mental health and wellbeing support within Rockingham and surrounding communities, while Member for Rockingham Magenta Marshall MLA also joined the celebrations.
Representatives from Kwelena's health and community partners also attended, including the Peel Rockingham Kwinana Group, Palmerston Association, and members of Kwelena's Consumer Reference Group.
Guests shared a sausage sizzle, kangaroo stew, celebratory cakes and homemade profiteroles, and learned how to make damper using Uncle Steve's family recipe.
For Anoushka, seeing people connecting and yarning throughout the day reflected what Kwelena has sought to create throughout its 10 years of service.
"Kwelena is about providing a space where people feel safe enough to connect, build relationships, and focus on their wellbeing. The anniversary really captured that," they said.
Learn more about Rockingham Step Up Step Down.
