Episode 9: Wrapping Support Around Families: A Yarn with Richard Weston on Family Matters 2025 | Kids, Culture, Community

Episode Description

In this episode of Kids, Culture, Community – SNAICC Yarns, Michael speaks with Meriam man Richard Weston, CEO of Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation, about the findings of the 2025 Family Matters Report and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-led solutions that work to ensure children grow up safe, cared for and connected to family and culture.

Richard shares the hard truths from a decade of data, which show that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children continue to be disproportionately represented in all stages of Australia’s child protection systems. He explains how the current child protection system prioritises crisis intervention over early family support and how removal perpetuates a cycle of harm and trauma.

For over 30 years, Maari Ma in Far West NSW has proven a better way. Richard explains the organisation’s integrated, early intervention model that wraps health, family support and deep cultural connection around families. This holistic approach builds strength, keeps children safe at home and actively prevents contact with statutory systems.

He shares powerful stories from the ground, like an example of a three-year-old girl who spoke of her heart and spirit in Barkanji language, embodying the cultural pride this model nurtures. The core message from Richard is clear: to fix the system, governments must stop investing in removal and start investing in proven, community-controlled services that keep children connected to their families, culture and Country.

Content Warning: This episode discusses child removal and trauma. For 24/7 crisis support, call 13YARN (13 92 76). 

Keep the conversation going—follow, subscribe, and share this podcast to help amplify the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families, and communities. Visit SNAICC’s website to learn more, access resources and find out how you can get involved.

This artwork was created to visually represent Kids, Culture, Community – SNAICC Yarns, a podcast by SNAICC – National Voice for our Children, dedicated to amplifying the voices and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families, and communities.

At the heart of the artwork is a central motif drawn directly from the SNAICC Marulu design – a symbolic anchor that represents SNAICC’s identity, purpose, and vision. This central element grounds the piece, reflecting SNAICC’s leadership in advocating for the rights, wellbeing, and futures of our children.

Surrounding this are three figures, symbolising a community in conversation. These figures represent not only the act of yarning, but the diversity of voices – children, families, Elders, leaders, and community members – who will be heard through the podcast. The figures are encircled by layered soundwaves that ripple outward and inward, capturing both the expression of voice and the act of deep listening.

These soundwaves reflect how stories, knowledge, and lived experiences are shared, received, and echoed across communities – from grassroots voices to national conversations. The design intentionally shows sound as both something that travels outward to inform and inspire, and something that returns inward to strengthen identity, connection, and culture.