Early intervention for Aboriginal children can make a lifelong difference to their development, wellbeing and connection to family, culture and community.
GPs play an important role in identifying developmental concerns early and supporting families to access culturally safe services.
Building trust, listening respectfully and recognising the strengths of Aboriginal families are essential to effective engagement.
Connection to culture, community and family are powerful protective factors for children’s wellbeing and development.
When concerns are identified early, referrals (with consent) to culturally responsive supports such as Aboriginal health services, speech therapy, parenting programs and family support services can improve outcomes and strengthen families.
Early support helps children thrive socially, emotionally, culturally and developmentally.
Early intervention referral resources
The following resources can help GPs identify appropriate referral pathways and culturally responsive services:
Early intervention: where and how to refer
Greater Western Sydney Aboriginal Health Service
Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Services
This article appeared in Practice Pulse on Wednesday, 24 June 2026. If you are a GP, practice nurse or practice manager in South Western Sydney and do not get the weekly Practice Pulse email, speak to your Practice Support Officer.
