Photovoice and learning conversations in an Aboriginal ... · Dr Dianne Boxall School of Psychology...

CENTRE FOR INLAND HEALTH

Lived experience of wellness: Photovoice and learning conversations in an Aboriginal community

Dr Dianne BoxallSchool of PsychologyCharles Sturt UniversityAlbury, NSW [email protected]


Project supported by the MoU between the Wiradjuri Condobolin Corporation and Charles Sturt University who share a vision of wellbeing for Aboriginal people of the inland communities we each serve.

Rural town of Condobolin in the lower Lachlan area of NSW

Aboriginal residents comprise over 20% of the local population

Construction of the Wiradjuri Study Centre (2011) – includes Wellness Division


“Road Map”Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research Agenda Working GroupFocus on ‘positive models’ and examples of success

Principles include:A holistic approach to healthCommunity involvement in ethical and practical research

WellnessGreater emphasis on spirituality, culture, and identity of individuals, family and community than traditional clinical models of health and illness


Questions 1. What is wellness and a good life for Aboriginal

people in this community?2. Why do some Aboriginal people experience

wellness and a good life in this community while others do not?

3. How could wellness and a good life be experienced by more Aboriginal people in this community?


Methodology developed in consultation with Elders & community representatives Photovoice

Photographs taken around town of places and objects affecting wellnessResults owned by the community who determine dissemination and use

Learning conversationsElders and a range of community members came together several times over a 6-month periodMixed and separate gender groupsPhotographs discussedFactors identified as associated with wellness in the community


Key Themes1. Identity

link in the young people

2. Reclaiming historyreturning to culture

3. Education, work and skillspositive engagement


The MissionA lot of historyHarmony MemoryLots of families and kids bought up in this house

The type of house and neighbours affect wellness living in town


The MissionWe used to do so much as a family - e.g., sportMore problems now with breakdowns of family relationships (alcohol, drugs, mental health)Often only women around the children – not a positive experience, particularly for boys

Kids can’t go out in the bush – who can take them?


The Mission & The MurieLiving together as one mob – identityOur kids don’t get enough cultureWe need somewhere out in the scrub to teach the kids

Need to build up self-esteem for the younger generation


Sports GroundWeekend sports in winter and summerYoung Koori kids living in this small community put a lot of effort into their chosen sports They develop a passion for it, pour their heart and soul into it, and they often excel Football Running – 2 kids from Condo

(from 8 in NSW) travelled to Jamaica

Can be an outlet for any issues that kids may be experiencing at home, school, or within the community


SchoolOver 20 Aboriginal kids in Year 12Give them information about possibilities for the future

Need to encourage engagement by others


The Lachlan River - WeirSignificance of river represents a history of good times spent with family and extended family membersYoung kids fish in the traditional way by sharpening an end of a stick and walking in the water to spear the fish

Pride in the traditional ways of ancestors


Goobang Creek Burial SiteElders protested to get this burial site recognised and respectedUndisturbed burial sites means there will not be disrespect towards the remains of our Aboriginal ancestorsPositive implications of the Aboriginal community seeing steps being taken to respect Aboriginal culture

Cultural significance is a part of the wellbeing process of Aboriginal people


Memorial ParkAnnual Anzac march is an emotional and uplifting time for our Koori communityIt brings out a sense of pride and remembrance for our loved ones who served in the Armed Forces

Importance of sense of community and identity


Medical ServiceFor some of our people the introduction of Aboriginal Medical Services can be a reminder of negative affects and influences of colonisationHowever, the Aboriginal owned and operated services are being utilised to address the health issues in the Aboriginal communityThe long term plans and initiatives are to address illnesses through programs such as “Close the Gap”


Wiradjuri Study CentrePlace to aspire to better prospects in addressing negative lifestyle choices and employmentEmulates a “modern starting point”Business hub to create opportunitiesPromotes wellness as a way forward into education, employment & healthSupport young people to aspire to further their education & availability of scholarships for Wiradjuri peopleHighlights Aboriginal culture in a very positive light

Sustainability and improving the overall health of Aboriginals in Condobolin


Wiradjuri Learning BooksLanguage introduces our historyLanguage and arts play an integral part of being AboriginalReclaiming HistoryReturning to culture

Important for Aboriginal students to learn their own language within the education system


Didgeridoo and Clap SticksRepresent Aboriginal identity & heritageSimple and basic

Facilitate learning through music, art and language within the education framework to address issues with behaviour and attendance


Aboriginal people work in all work sites: E.g.,

HospitalMineMillPost officeCouncilEducationConstructionServices & facilities etc

Meaning and identity


Moving forward:Wellness WeekSites

The Mission, The Murie, Wiradjuri Study CentreActivities

Culture camp, physical activities, hunting, fishingBBQs, cooking, bush foods and medicinesWorking groups at The Mission &/or The MurieStory tellingBora ring – dancingInaugural “Marble Championship”LanguageHealth information booths, screening stations & activitiesCareer presentations at local schools

Photovoice and learning conversations in an Aboriginal ... · Dr Dianne Boxall School of Psychology...

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