Thomas Betts
Project Officer
thomas.betts@thekids.org.au
Thomas Betts is a proud Minang and Wudjari Noongar man who grew up on Whadjuk Noongar boodja. He currently works as a Project Officer with the Healing Kids Healing Families team, where he leads and supports community and stakeholder engagement, provides a cultural lens to child health research, and offers strategic guidance on embedding culture throughout the research process. His role also involves developing culturally appropriate resources and materials for use in research, as well as by communities and service providers.
Thomas is deeply passionate about mental health research for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, with a particular interest in strengthening connections to social and emotional wellbeing. He brings extensive experience from the public sector, having held roles with the Public Sector Commission’s Aboriginal Employment Unit and the Aboriginal Priority Initiatives team at the Department of Communities.
Projects
Building a culturally safe mental health system for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people
The impact of colonisation, genocide, and continuing discriminatory policies have created a context for ongoing disadvantage, trauma, and high rates of mental health issues for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.
Education and Qualifications
- Certificate III in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care
- Certificate IV in Leadership and Mentoring