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

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 project 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 the Ngulluk Koolunga Ngulluk Koort Project 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 project 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.

This research is funded by Australian National Health and Medical Research Council

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 project’s inaugural Perth-wide Elders meeting in 2016.

Who is involved in the research?

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

Find out more about the Elder Co-Researchers.

The Project Team is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the project and consists of:

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

The Research Leadership Team includes Dr Brad Farrant, Dr Michael Wright, Professor Stephen Zubrick, Professor Cheryl Kickett-Tucker, Dr Carrington Shepherd and Mr Glenn Pearson. This group has overall responsibility for driving the vision of the project and the delivery of the project outcomes. 

What is planned?

The project will run for five years from 2016 to the end of 2020. During this time, the research team will work with the co-researchers and the broader Aboriginal community(s) of Perth to develop a better understanding of early childhood development from an Aboriginal perspective.

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

Proposed project timeline

How will the project have an impact?

Once the specific needs and aspirations of Aboriginal families have been identified, the nine Elder Co-researchers will come together with a group of senior managers, practitioners, and policy officers to co-design a set of culturally appropriate and empowering policies, practices and strategies.

It is expected that the implementation of these policies and practice guidelines will enhance the delivery of services and programs to Aboriginal children and families, and ultimately lead to improved outcomes for Aboriginal children.

Funder:

This research is funded by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (Project Grant 1098844)