Synopsis:
The STRONG kids, STRONG future team from the University of Melbourne’s Department of Paediatrics works in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, communities, and organisations to research, develop and implement culturally responsive tools that enhance developmental outcomes for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. The STRONG kids, STRONG future team is excited to co-present with key partners from Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations our approach to advancing children’s health. We will describe how we have co-developed culturally responsive developmental instruments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. We will hear from our partners who will share their experience of collaborating on research projects, the importance of culturally responsive tools, implementation of these instruments in their settings and what works in partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Speakers:
Emma Stubbs is a proud Adnyamathanha, Arabana, Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara woman who was raised on the APY Lands (Central Australia) and is currently living in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) on Arrernte Country. Emma has over 15 years’ experience of working in community services, case management, advocacy, community development and research roles. She currently works as a Senior Research Assistant with the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress. Emma supports numerous research projects by working ‘Malparara’ way (side by side) with project staff members to support culturally appropriate research; this can include participant recruitment and consent processes, data collection, data analysis, knowledge translation, co-authoring publications and presenting at conferences.
Lesley Richardson is Anmatyere and Jaru through her biological families (Wilson & Briscoe) from Central Australia region in the NT and WA. Lesley was born and raised in Brisbane, Queensland. A second-generation stolen generation child, mother of one and aunty to many. Lesley is the Director of Connected Beginnings – Groote Eylandt, NT Department of Education, which is an early years-service integration model. Lesley holds a Bachelor of Human Services (Griffith University) and is currently studying her Master of Social Work. Lesley has over 20 years’ experience, skills, and knowledge in Aboriginal service delivery, in particular child protection throughout Australia (QLD, WA &NT) in urban, rural, and remote communities. Lesley is a passionate advocate for Aboriginal children and their ability to walk in two worlds, through identity and culture, child development and two-way education. Her motto is “every child should have the opportunity to reach their full potential!”
Jade Young is a proud Wiradjuri and Waikwab woman and has 10 years’ experience working in health in the community. Jade has a Certificate III in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and is completing her Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioner Certificate. Jade is currently employed in the Health and Wellbeing area at Bubup Wilam Aboriginal Child and Family Centre as the Aboriginal Health Worker. She feels younger children are often overlooked and wishes to change that mindset. Outside of working hours, Jade has the responsibility for two children and when not committed to driving her children here and there, you will find her outside in the garden.
Associate Professor D’Aprano, a paediatrician at the Centre for Community Child Health and Principal Research Fellow in the Department of Paediatrics, leads the STRONG kids STRONG future team which works in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, communities, and organisations to research, develop and implement culturally responsive tools that enhance developmental outcomes for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.