Ngulluk Koolunga Ngulluk Koort (Our Children, Our Heart) Program

Healthy development in early childhood, particularly during the years before school, has a strong influence on a range of later life outcomes including physical health, social and emotional well-being, and academic achievement.

This program proposes that there needs to be a culturally appropriate fit between the values, needs and expectations of Aboriginal parents, children and families and the resources and services that are available to them, to support Aboriginal children to fulfil their potential.

Therefore, the overall aim of Ngulluk Koolunga Ngulluk Koort is to bring the Aboriginal community(s) of Perth together with service providers and policymakers to develop culturally appropriate strategies to improve outcomes for young Aboriginal children (0 – 6 years) and their families.

The program focuses on identifying the foundations for raising strong and solid Koolunga – the values, priorities and beliefs around child rearing and the factors considered critical to building healthy, confident and resilient children.

Project setting

The project is being conducted in the Perth metropolitan area which forms part of Nyoongar country, specifically the Wadjuk Boodja (country) which is one of the 14 Nyoongar clan regions in the south-west of WA.

While the project is focused on Nyoongar perspectives, it is worth noting that around one-third of WA’s Aboriginal population lives in the Perth metropolitan area, not all of whom identify as Nyoongar.

For the purposes of this project, the metropolitan area is being approached as four regions:

1. South East (Belmont to Armadale),
2. North East (Midland/Swan Area),
3. North West (Perth City to Two Rocks), and
4. South West (Fremantle to Rockingham).

This was a decision taken by the 51 Elders who attended the program’s inaugural Perth-wide Elders meeting in 2016.

Who is involved in the research?

The program is led by a group of eight Elder Co-Researchers who provide cultural advice and direction to the research team on all aspects of the research, analysis, engagement, dissemination and translation processes.

Find out more about the Elder Co-Researchers.

The Research Team is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the program and consists of:

• Dr Brad Farrant (Researcher)
• Carol Michie (Project Officer)
• Nicole Ilich (Researcher)
• Larissa Perry (Researcher)

What is planned?

The research team continues to work with the Elder Co-Researchers and the broader Aboriginal community(s) of Perth to co-design the program and develop a better understanding of early childhood development from an Aboriginal perspective.

The discussions with community members will continue to focus on identifying the family and cultural factors which keep young Aboriginal children strong.

How is the program having an impact?

Following the identification of the specific needs and aspirations of Aboriginal families, the Elder Co-researchers have and will continue to come together with government, senior managers, practitioners, and policy officers to co-design culturally appropriate and empowering policies, practices and strategies.

The implementation of these policies and practice guidelines has and will continue to transform and enhance the delivery of services and programs to Aboriginal children and families, and ultimately lead to improved outcomes for Aboriginal children.

Funder:

This research received funding from the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council 2016-2021 (Project Grant 1098844)