Background In the context of the Australian Psychological Society's formal apology and the increasing awareness of the need to develop interventions that improve the social and emotional wellbeing of clients who identify from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural backgrounds, this article considers the clinical psychology case conceptualisation. The primary aim of any case conceptualisation is to inform intervention and, in the initial stages of treatment, is considered important in helping the psychologists to develop...read more
This community profile report provides information about the Aboriginal population of the Illawarra Region. It is intended to begin a discussion about how research can contribute to the social health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people. The report highlights disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians that are apparent not only in the health statistics but also in almost every key socioeconomic indicator. However the report is not just about ill-health and disadvantage. The Illawarra region has...read more
The theme of this paper is embracing traditional knowledge in innovative educational change to move back to the future while stepping into action. A pertinent theme given many Indigenous health professionals have been leading action in our nation for many years in providing holistic healing opportunities for Indigenous communities. However, there is still much to do with many Indigenous communities continuing to struggle with the trauma outcomes of colonisation that are manifested in poor education...read more
The Frontier Wars refer to conflicts between Europeans and Aboriginal people including battles, acts of resistance and open massacres from 1788 to the 1930s. This website provides an overview of Aboriginal resistance to European colonisation and details a number of specific conflicts across the country. The site includes video discussion with Aboriginal and non-Indigenous peoples about their knowledge of the wars, why we need to know about the conflict, and links to further informationread more
This book highlights the health gap that exists between Indigenous and other Australians and proposes that one solution is to empower Indigenous Australians to take control of their own health and wellbeing. In particular, the book describes an Aboriginal family wellbeing model of empowerment which has been used successfully in programs across Australia. The book provides evidence for what can happen when communities accept change, and acknowledges the importance of future resourcing for empowerment programs...read more
This paper describes a case study of the compliance and reporting requirements of Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative. It demonstrates that on top of the reporting overburden, incredible complexity is introduced when single organisations work across a range of health and community service sectors and consequently have to report in different ways, on different performance criteria, using different databases, for funding from different government programs. The irony is that while co-operatives aim to build their service delivery...read more
Issue addressed: Undergraduate dietetic students are required to demonstrate cultural awareness and culturally respectful communication to meet national competencies, but exposure to practical experiences may be limited. The Gomeroi gaaynggal ArtsHealth Centre was established in 2009 after community consultation with the Indigenous community in Tamworth, New South Wales. The Centre provides a safe and welcoming space where women can create art while discussing health issues with visiting health professionals and students. The present study aimed...read more
First Languages Australia is working with regional language centres nationally to develop a map of Australian languages that reflects the names and groupings favoured by community. Regional language centres have provided updated maps for their regions to be collated into this interactive map of languages and language families. Some regions have choosen to show related languages linked by colour. Knowing which languages are related can help with sharing language resources. This map has been designed...read more
This paper considers the usefulness of theory and practice in mainstream psychology in relation to the experiences of Indigenous people directly affected by the practice of child removal. It consists of an interview in which one of the authors, Joyleen Koolmatrie, an Indigenous psychologist, reflects on her work with Indigenous people affected by the removal, including a description of her workshops, which have been conducted throughout Australia, and a reflection by the authors on the...read more
Aboriginal history since colonisation has been largely shaped by government policies. The most striking and destructive historical policies directed at Aboriginal people concerned those that advocated the removal of Aboriginal children from their parents and their placement in white foster homes or institutions. This paper reports on interviews with seven Indigenous participants who had been removed from their families and communities early in childhood. The most dramatic psychological impact on those who had been separated...read more
