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1
Knight, Michele Therese. "Growing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander." Thesis, The University of Sydney, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/2123/13789.
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The current study consisted of two initiatives. The first initiative was to qualitatively explore the perceptions and attitudes of Career Advisers in New South Wales secondary schools regarding health career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary school students. The second initiative was to explore strategies for raising awareness and stimulating interest in health career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary school students. Fifteen Career Advisers from fifteen secondary schools across metropolitan and regional New South Wales participated in the study. At three separate data collection sites, and at the express request of the participant, the school Aboriginal Education Assistant also contributed primary data to the study. It was the express wish of Career Advisers at these schools that an Indigenous perspective be included in the study. At one data collection site, the Deputy School Principal also expressed the wish to be included in the study. In total nineteen participants contributed toward the study. Findings from the current study suggest that Career Advisers work within a challenging world-of-work context which is constantly changing in order to meet the demands of globalisation. Furthermore, it is evident that within this world-of-work context Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students face significant barriers and socio-economic disadvantage. This disadvantage severely impacts upon and restricts these students’ access to career education within the schooling environment. Additionally, the opportunity to engage with and foster lifelong learning in conjunction with ongoing career development is also negatively impacted upon. Other than with medicine and nursing, Career Advisers were found to have limited knowledge regarding both the diversity and range of allied health careers that are currently available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Career Advisers noted they work collaboratively with Aboriginal Education Assistants, who are a core component of the learning and teaching environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. In spite of the critical role they play in holistically integrating the schooling environment and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, it was noted that of those schools that did employ Aboriginal Education Assistants, did so on a part-time or casual basis. It was also noted by some participants that despite the necessity for Aboriginal Education Assistants to be on staff in their school, and to be available to themselves and to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, there was no Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person employed in that capacity. Notwithstanding these significant challenges, research outcomes from the current study will recommend that Career Advisers and Aboriginal Education Assistants be supported in their roles. This is particularly important if they are to raise awareness and stimulate interest in health career pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Furthermore, it is recommended that additional research be conducted in order to determine how the Commonwealth Department of of Education Science and Training can best provide this support.
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Macniven, Rona Margaret. "Physical activity and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in Australia." Thesis, The University of Sydney, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/2123/17811.
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Background Globally, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes represent an issue of epidemic proportion, responsible for tens of millions of premature deaths annually. NCDs are also responsible for reducing quality of life and causing detrimental social and economic effects. Disparities across population groups are evident. In Australia, NCDs were a leading cause of the total burden of disease in 2011. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have a shorter life expectancy and poorer health risk factors and outcomes than non-Indigenous Australians. Much of this gap in life expectancy has been attributed to preventable NCDs. Physical activity is a key modifiable cause of the excess burden of disease and mortality. Among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, there is a lack of evidence around the associations between physical activity and health and demographic factors and the impact of strategies to increase physical activity, compared to mainstream evidence. Aims This thesis aims to contribute towards building an evidence base around the association of physical activity on the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. The first aim is to examine cross-sectional associations between physical activity and a range of lifestyle, environmental and social factors among adults. Subsequently, the thesis identifies and describes physical activity patterns and influencing factors among adolescents. The third aim is to describe characteristics of physical activity programs targeting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Lastly, the thesis aims to measure the effects of a community-based physical activity program. Methods The series of studies used a range of methods. The first study examined whether achievement of national physical activity recommendations was associated with healthy lifestyle behaviours, neighbourhood environmental characteristics and social support among Aboriginal and non- Aboriginal adults in New South Wales (NSW) (Chapter 2). The second study examined cross-sectional demographic, social, psychosocial and health correlates of physical activity among Aboriginal and non- Aboriginal adolescents in NSW (Chapter 3). The third study examined age related declines in physical activity among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal young people and their variation by season, setting and type among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children from between 2007/8 and 2011/12 (Chapter 4). The fourth study reviewed the scientific and grey literature for physical activity programs targeting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders operating between 2012 and 2015, described their characteristics and engaged with program coordinators to verify sourced information (Chapter 5). The final study examined the health and community impacts of the Indigenous Marathon Program (IMP) in a remote Torres Strait island community, using questionnaire and semi-structured interview mixed methods (Chapter 6). Results In Chapter 2, a similar proportion of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal adults achieved national physical activity recommendations and factors relating to achieving recommendations were similar in both groups. However, neighbourhood features and social support were less favourable among Aboriginal adults. Among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal adolescents, physical activity levels were similarly low but some correlates differed by Aboriginality (Chapter 3). Aboriginal girls were less active than boys, as were those whose mothers were unemployed. In Chapter 4, serial physical activity declines were found in a population of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal young people over five years, but not across all seasons, settings and types. Chapter 5, identifies 110 programs that aimed to increase physical activity for health or broader social outcomes. Around half were found to collect process or impact evaluation data but this is underrepresented in the scientific literature. In Chapter 6, impacts of Indigenous Marathon Program were the adoption of running and broader healthy lifestyle factors in a remote community with a high initial level of community readiness. Barriers to running were both personal, cultural and environmental. Conclusion The findings from this thesis make a novel contribution to building an evidence base of associations between physical activity and the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. A number of factors associated with physical activity in adults and children are unique to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders populations; other factors are similar to those experienced by mainstream populations. It is vitally important that physical activity programs that aim to improve health or social outcomes can determine their value through evaluation.
3
Hall, Kerry K. "Acute respiratory illness in urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2017. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/110528/1/Kerry_Hall_Thesis.pdf.
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This thesis is the first to comprehensively evaluate Acute Respiratory Illness with Cough (ARIwC) in urban, predominantly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, children. It identified a community experiencing significant disadvantage and a concerning burden of ARIwC. Positive findings include the frequent presentation to primary health care, continuity of primary health care provider, and knowledge of when cough is abnormal; factors that are all critical to the success of interventions and further research to reduce the burden of disease.
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Hodes, Jeremy. "Torres Strait Islander migration to Cairns before World War II." [S.l. : s.n.], 1998. http://catalog.hathitrust.org/api/volumes/oclc/44839600.html.
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Thesis (Master of Letters)--Central Queensland University, 1998."A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Letters in History. Central Queensland University." Cover title.
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Adams, Michael John. "Sexual and reproductive health problems among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2007. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/16599/1/Michael_John_Adams_Thesis.pdf.
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Compared to males in almost any social group in all affluent nations, Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men suffer from substantially more serious illnesses and early death. To date, research done by or in collaboration with Indigenous communities has revealed the extent of the problems that arise from diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, cancers, respiratory diseases, psychological disorders, accidental injuries, violence and other causes. Reproductive health, however, rarely has been studied among Indigenous men. To date, research in this field has been limited mainly to studies of sexually transmitted infections. No data has been published on Aboriginal men's symptoms of prostate disease or erectile dysfunction, nor has the clinical screening and treatment of these disorders among these men been assessed. In-depth search of the worldwide web demonstrated that little information on these issues was available from other Indigenous populations. It does appear that Indigenous men in Australia, New Zealand and North America are less likely than European-ancestry men to die from prostate cancer, or for living cases to be recorded on cancer registries. This may arise because Indigenous men genuinely have a lower risk, or because they are not captured by official statistics, or because they do not live long enough to develop severe prostate disease. We also know very little about other reproductive health problems such as sexual dysfunction and specifically erectile difficulties. One reason for our scant knowledge is that research mainly relies on self-report of sensitive information. The aim of the research study was to improve the understanding of sexual and reproductive health problems experienced by Indigenous men. This is best gathered by Aboriginal males who are inside the culture of middleaged and older Indigenous men, but until now this has not been attempted. In this study we adopted the World Health Organization (WHO) definitions for Reproductive and Sexual Health (WHO, 2001). Thus, we consider reproductive system disorders (prostate disease, erectile dysfunction) and related health care-seeking, and also men's perceptions about a "satisfying and safe sexual life". The methodology was framed within an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research protocol that advocates respect for cultural, social and community customs. A mixed method design combined qualitative inquiry (4 focus groups and 18 in-depth interviews) and quantitative survey (n=301) involving men living in remote, rural and urban communities (Tiwi Islands, Darwin and north and south-east Queensland). Survey data were compared to recently published self-reports from 5990 randomly selected men aged over 40 years in Australia (Holden et al., 2005, The Lancet, 366, 218-224. The qualitative interviews revealed that most men were silent about reproductive health. They were unwilling to reveal their inner feelings to wives or partners, and they were unwilling to discuss such issues with doctors and other health care workers. Men's reaction to sexual difficulties included shame, denial, substance abuse and occasionally violence. On a positive note many men said they want to learn about it, so they understand how to cope with such problems. The Indigenous men reported symptoms of erectile dysfunction at least as much as non-Indigenous men in other Australian studies. Bivariate analysis showed that erectile dysfunction was correlated with many health and lifestyle variable. However multivariate analysis revealed that only three factors significantly predicted ED: presence of chronic disease, presence of pain when working, and living in a remote geographic location The quantitative survey data indicate that Indigenous men have more symptoms of prostate disease than non-Indigenous men. The syndrome appears to be poorly managed in clinical practice (e.g. rates of PSA testing and digital-rectal examination are only one-third the rate reported by non-Aboriginal men, despite equivalent likelihood of GP visits). The research study adds to the literature by providing better insight and depth into the issues impacting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males experiencing reproductive and sexual health difficulties. It also provides a platform to undertake comprehensive research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men to explore a wider spectrum of questions in this important but neglected area. Implications for education of primary healthcare workers and community-based awareness campaigns for Indigenous males are discussed. Most of all, this study revealed "layers" of silence around sexual and reproductive health of Indigenous men. This includes silence in the scientific establishments in health services, and in the community. It is hoped that this study puts the voices of the men forward to help to break down this silence.
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Adams, Michael John. "Sexual and reproductive health problems among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males." Queensland University of Technology, 2007. http://eprints.qut.edu.au/16599/.
Full textAbstract:
Compared to males in almost any social group in all affluent nations, Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men suffer from substantially more serious illnesses and early death. To date, research done by or in collaboration with Indigenous communities has revealed the extent of the problems that arise from diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, cancers, respiratory diseases, psychological disorders, accidental injuries, violence and other causes. Reproductive health, however, rarely has been studied among Indigenous men. To date, research in this field has been limited mainly to studies of sexually transmitted infections. No data has been published on Aboriginal men's symptoms of prostate disease or erectile dysfunction, nor has the clinical screening and treatment of these disorders among these men been assessed. In-depth search of the worldwide web demonstrated that little information on these issues was available from other Indigenous populations. It does appear that Indigenous men in Australia, New Zealand and North America are less likely than European-ancestry men to die from prostate cancer, or for living cases to be recorded on cancer registries. This may arise because Indigenous men genuinely have a lower risk, or because they are not captured by official statistics, or because they do not live long enough to develop severe prostate disease. We also know very little about other reproductive health problems such as sexual dysfunction and specifically erectile difficulties. One reason for our scant knowledge is that research mainly relies on self-report of sensitive information. The aim of the research study was to improve the understanding of sexual and reproductive health problems experienced by Indigenous men. This is best gathered by Aboriginal males who are inside the culture of middleaged and older Indigenous men, but until now this has not been attempted. In this study we adopted the World Health Organization (WHO) definitions for Reproductive and Sexual Health (WHO, 2001). Thus, we consider reproductive system disorders (prostate disease, erectile dysfunction) and related health care-seeking, and also men's perceptions about a "satisfying and safe sexual life". The methodology was framed within an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research protocol that advocates respect for cultural, social and community customs. A mixed method design combined qualitative inquiry (4 focus groups and 18 in-depth interviews) and quantitative survey (n=301) involving men living in remote, rural and urban communities (Tiwi Islands, Darwin and north and south-east Queensland). Survey data were compared to recently published self-reports from 5990 randomly selected men aged over 40 years in Australia (Holden et al., 2005, The Lancet, 366, 218-224. The qualitative interviews revealed that most men were silent about reproductive health. They were unwilling to reveal their inner feelings to wives or partners, and they were unwilling to discuss such issues with doctors and other health care workers. Men's reaction to sexual difficulties included shame, denial, substance abuse and occasionally violence. On a positive note many men said they want to learn about it, so they understand how to cope with such problems. The Indigenous men reported symptoms of erectile dysfunction at least as much as non-Indigenous men in other Australian studies. Bivariate analysis showed that erectile dysfunction was correlated with many health and lifestyle variable. However multivariate analysis revealed that only three factors significantly predicted ED: presence of chronic disease, presence of pain when working, and living in a remote geographic location The quantitative survey data indicate that Indigenous men have more symptoms of prostate disease than non-Indigenous men. The syndrome appears to be poorly managed in clinical practice (e.g. rates of PSA testing and digital-rectal examination are only one-third the rate reported by non-Aboriginal men, despite equivalent likelihood of GP visits). The research study adds to the literature by providing better insight and depth into the issues impacting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander males experiencing reproductive and sexual health difficulties. It also provides a platform to undertake comprehensive research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men to explore a wider spectrum of questions in this important but neglected area. Implications for education of primary healthcare workers and community-based awareness campaigns for Indigenous males are discussed. Most of all, this study revealed "layers" of silence around sexual and reproductive health of Indigenous men. This includes silence in the scientific establishments in health services, and in the community. It is hoped that this study puts the voices of the men forward to help to break down this silence.
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Grootjans, John, of Western Sydney Hawkesbury University, and of Health Humanities and Social Ecology Faculty. "Both ways and beyond : in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health worker education." THESIS_FHHSE_SEL_Grootjans_J.xml, 1999. http://handle.uws.edu.au:8081/1959.7/445.
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During 1987 my essential beliefs about the nature of the world were challenged by a chance event which led to my arrival in Arnhemland. Working with Aboriginal people allowed me to see first hand the failings of Western ideas in Aboriginal education and health. This is how a 12 year collaboration with Aboriginal people began. The aim was to search for answers to the question, 'Why so many ideas that had been successfully used in the Western world, fail to meet the needs of aboriginal people? My experiences prior to 1995 had led me to believe that Both Ways, an education pedagogy developed in teacher education, was the best approach for empowering Aboriginal Health Workers. I believed Both Ways gave Aboriginal Health Workers a means to develop solutions to aboriginal health issues which valued and respected their aboriginal knowledge. I needed to describe and evaluate the practice of both ways with Aboriginal Health workers for the purpose of proving the benefit of this pedagogy for other educators in this field. This thesis describes how I came to think Both Ways was a good idea; how I defined Both ways; and how I put it into practice. It also provides a description of the issues raised in my critique of Both Ways and in my attempts to provide answers to these issues. Several years of collecting data, including records from action research group discussions, participant observation, interviews with peers and students, and formal evaluations left me with many concerns about Both Ways. As educators follow my journey of discovery I hope that they will recognise experiences and insights that they themselves have shared. The descriptions and discussions in this thesis will add significantly to the overall discourse about health worker education. Similarly, the exploration of ideas beyond Both Ways will add significantly to the overall body knowledge about the power relationships involved in teaching in a cross cultural settingDoctor of Philosophy (PhD)
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Grootjans, John. "Both ways and beyond : in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health worker education." Thesis, View thesis, 1999. http://handle.uws.edu.au:8081/1959.7/445.
Full textAbstract:
During 1987 my essential beliefs about the nature of the world were challenged by a chance event which led to my arrival in Arnhemland. Working with Aboriginal people allowed me to see first hand the failings of Western ideas in Aboriginal education and health. This is how a 12 year collaboration with Aboriginal people began. The aim was to search for answers to the question, 'Why so many ideas that had been successfully used in the Western world, fail to meet the needs of aboriginal people? My experiences prior to 1995 had led me to believe that Both Ways, an education pedagogy developed in teacher education, was the best approach for empowering Aboriginal Health Workers. I believed Both Ways gave Aboriginal Health Workers a means to develop solutions to aboriginal health issues which valued and respected their aboriginal knowledge. I needed to describe and evaluate the practice of both ways with Aboriginal Health workers for the purpose of proving the benefit of this pedagogy for other educators in this field. This thesis describes how I came to think Both Ways was a good idea; how I defined Both ways; and how I put it into practice. It also provides a description of the issues raised in my critique of Both Ways and in my attempts to provide answers to these issues. Several years of collecting data, including records from action research group discussions, participant observation, interviews with peers and students, and formal evaluations left me with many concerns about Both Ways. As educators follow my journey of discovery I hope that they will recognise experiences and insights that they themselves have shared. The descriptions and discussions in this thesis will add significantly to the overall discourse about health worker education. Similarly, the exploration of ideas beyond Both Ways will add significantly to the overall body knowledge about the power relationships involved in teaching in a cross cultural setting
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Grootjans, John. "Both ways and beyond : in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health worker education /." View thesis, 1999. http://library.uws.edu.au/adt-NUWS/public/adt-NUWS20030725.103057/index.html.
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Hogarth, Melitta Dorn. "A critical analysis of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Action Plan." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2015. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/89754/1/Melitta_Hogarth_Thesis.pdf.
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This study involves the analysis of one of the most recent Indigenous Education policies, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Action Plan 2010-2014 (MCEECDYA, 2011). It examines how the language used within policy positions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Articulating Rigney's (1999) Indigenist Research Principles with Fairclough's (2001) Critical Discourse Analysis provides a platform for critical dialogues about policy decision-making. In doing so, this articulation enables and emphasises the need for potential policy revision to contribute to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander struggle for self-determination.
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Lawrence, Christopher Grant. "Influences on food and lifestyle choices for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians: an Aboriginal perspective." Thesis, The University of Sydney, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/2123/12551.
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Influences on food and lifestyle choices for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians: An Aboriginal perspective The care and management of chronic diseases and comorbidity impose a substantial burden on the Australian government, Aboriginal Medical Services (non-government primary health care organisations) and mainstream health services and systems. Nowhere is this burden more felt than upon Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australian individuals, their families and communities. Most health research studies that have measured the burden of chronic disease tend to take only a partial view of the socio-economic consequences, focusing on measuring the burden on the health system of responding to an illness rather than apply a holistic perspective of the overall historical, political, social, cultural and emotional wellbeing (psychological distress) that impact upon Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their families and communities. The analytical framework applied in this thesis used mixed methods of research, study design, data collection and analysis in order to provide a holistic assessment of the population, socio-economic and cultural burden of disease. Research was undertaken in a number of different settings; including Aboriginal Medical Services and the Eora (TAFE) College. Responses provided by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants in the 45 and Up longitudinal cohort study were analysed. The framework incorporated features to assess the key dimensions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and incorporated a holistic definition of Aboriginal health: “Aboriginal health is not just the physical well-being of an individual but refers to the social, emotional and cultural well-being of the whole community in which each individual is able to achieve their full potential as a human being, and thereby contributing to the total well-being of their Community. It is a whole-of-life view that includes the cyclical concept of life-death-life”. (NACCHO 2013) The findings of all these studies highlight that there is a need to investigate further the resilience factors, relationships and psychological distress, which influence Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s food choices, diet patterns, risky behaviour and lifestyle choices.
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Farnbach, Sara. "Conducting high-quality, culturally-appropriate primary healthcare research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples." Thesis, The University of Sydney, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/2123/18850.
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Health research should inform culturally-appropriate, evidence-based primary healthcare (PHC), potentially enhancing social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (hereafter referred to as Indigenous) Peoples. When conducting such research, scientific and ethical quality should be forefront. Aim To identify approaches and enablers to conducting high-quality, culturally-appropriate Indigenous-focused SEWB PHC research. Methods This thesis comprises three sections: firstly, two systematic reviews of the Indigenous-focused SEWB PHC research literature; secondly, an in-depth critical and reflective case study of an Indigenous-focused SEWB PHC research project entitled Getting it Right: the validation study (hereafter referred to as Getting it Right); finally, a process evaluation of Getting it Right using a grounded theory approach. Results Twenty-five research projects were included in the systematic reviews. Two were judged as high quality using scientific and ethical criteria. Research projects that were judged as ethical used culturally-sensitive approaches, focused on developing relationships and involved community members. These approaches also appeared to enable this research. Getting it Right had an adaptive protocol (where localised approaches were developed within certain requirements) and PHC services were reimbursed on a per participant basis. The research was evaluated as meeting scientific and ethical quality criteria. The process evaluation showed that the research was acceptable to most participating staff (n=36), community members (n=4) and participants (n=500). Many were willing to participate in research and speak about SEWB. Staff reported that the reimbursement provided to the service sufficiently resourced the research. Conclusion High-quality, culturally-appropriate Indigenous-focused SEWB PHC research can be facilitated by culturally-sensitive, flexible, collaborative and sufficiently-funded approaches.
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Simone, Nicole R. "Teachers perspectives of embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' histories and cultures in mathematics." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2022. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/227459/1/Nicole_Simone_Thesis.pdf.
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This thesis explored how six teachers of mathematics embedded Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Histories and Cultures into the core mathematics curriculum. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, then written transcripts were analysed through the use of Bernstein’s Theory of Pedagogic Discourse. Teachers shared their perspectives on how they have developed their cultural capabilities, and how this has informed culturally responsive teaching of mathematics. Recommendations are made for how to support in-service teachers with their personal cultural capabilities to authentically embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Histories and Cultures in mathematics curriculum.
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Shepherd, Carrington C. J. "The socioeconomic pattern of health and developmental outcomes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children." Thesis, Curtin University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/712.
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The pervasive health and social disadvantage faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is an acknowledged part of Australian society. The contemporary data reveal striking inequalities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in most measurable aspects of wellbeing across the life cycle. This reflects a postcolonial history of marginalisation and exclusion from mainstream society, dispossession of traditional lands, forced separation from family and kinship networks, and racism. Despite an increased awareness and disapproval of these inequalities in health, the inequalities persist.The lack of progress in the face of public disapproval and progressive government support underscores the fact that we still do not adequately understand the fundamental causes of Indigenous ill health and disease. A small body of research in Australia has highlighted that socioeconomic status (SES) accounts for a portion of the gap in health but this does not imply that they account for health differences within Indigenous population groups. A robust international literature has consistently shown that socioeconomic factors influence population health. These factors reflect the way in which society is ordered according to wealth, prestige, power, social standing or one’s control over economic resources, and their pattern of association with health has almost always depicted better health for those who are better off— that is, the health of population groups normally follows a gradient pattern. Despite the ubiquity of this observation in the empirical literature, there is uncertainty as to whether it applies to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations in Australia.Accordingly, this thesis has aimed to assess the pattern of socioeconomic disparities in the health and development of Indigenous populations in Australia, with a specific focus on children. The three key objectives were to: • Describe the developmental status of Indigenous children and the mechanisms that influence this status; • Determine the pattern of association between socioeconomic factors and physical and mental health outcomes; and • Reveal the significant differences (and similarities) in the socioeconomic pattern of child health between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations, and articulate these in terms of their direction, shape and magnitude.The objectives of the study were primarily assessed using a quantitative analytic framework applied to four existing population-representative datasets: the 2008 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Survey, the 2000–2002 Western Australian Aboriginal Child Health Survey, the 2004–05 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey and 2004–05 National Health Survey. Simple univariate and cross-tabulation data were used to describe population characteristics, while the relationships between socioeconomic indicators and health outcomes were assessed using a range of regression techniques. Multilevel models are an important feature of this study, and have enabled a more accurate estimation of the effects of individual and area-level measures of SES on health. Generalised Additive Models were used to account for the possible non-linear nature of associations between continuous SES variables and physical health outcomes, with results presented as non-parametric spline curves. The mechanisms linking SES and mental health were explored using a stepwise approach to the regression analysis. All data in all chapters were weighted to reflect population benchmarks.The findings highlighted that there were significant socioeconomic disparities in the health of Indigenous children in Australia, although the direction, shape and magnitude varied, by both socioeconomic measure and health outcome. While the socioeconomic patterns of Indigenous child health are not universal, they are more consistent for mental than physical health. In addition, the thesis has shown that both conventional and alternative notions of SES can influence health patterns. The largest disparities in child physical health were observed for area-level SES indicators, while housing characteristics and area-level SES both had a strong direct effect on child mental health.The thesis has demonstrated that the patterns of socioeconomic disparities in child health differ markedly in Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations—at least in non-remote settings. It was not uncommon for the magnitude of disparity to be larger in the Indigenous population. These findings lend support to the notion that socioeconomic factors have a differential impact on the health of Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations. The implication of this for policy is that a single approach to stimulating socioeconomic conditions will not have equal benefits to child health outcomes in Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations. While the evidence here underscores the validity of the well-worn edict that “one size does not fit all” in Indigenous health policy, it also reinforces the need to examine health disparities within and across Indigenous and other population groups in order to better inform policy and practiceCollectively, the results have provided clear evidence that socioeconomic factors matter to both the physical and mental health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. The diversity of findings implies that SES factors are one facet of the unique and complex set of factors that influence Aboriginal child health and wellbeing.This thesis has made several original contributions to the literature on social inequalities in Indigenous health in Australia and the broader field of social determinants of health. It is one of the few studies internationally to explicitly look at the socioeconomic patterning of health in an Indigenous population, and the first to examine these patterns among Indigenous children using population-representative data. In doing so, the study has begun to bridge the knowledge gap on social inequalities in Aboriginal health in Australia, and will facilitate a better grasp of the complex underlying mechanisms that determine Aboriginal health.For policy, this knowledge can lead to more effective government decision-making in terms of targeting social determinants of health that are of particular significance for Aboriginal populations. It is hoped that the findings of the thesis can provide directions for future research and insights to policy that will, ultimately, increase the pace of change toward health equity in Australia.
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Miller, Melinda G. "Action for change? Embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in early childhood education curricula." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2013. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/60905/5/60905.pdf.
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This thesis focuses on non-Indigenous educators’ work around embedding Indigenous perspectives in early childhood education curricula. In place of reporting examples of ‘good’ educational practice, the study questions how whiteness and racism continue to operate in diversity work that is seen to be productive and inclusive. The thesis argues for a more comprehensive framework for embedding Indigenous perspectives in before-school contexts to support educators’ efforts. New strategies for professional development are also suggested to support changes in disciplinary knowledge and pedagogy.
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Nalatu, Simone Taraivosa. "'Understanding the Physical Activity Patterns of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mothers, Including the Factors that Influence Participation'." Thesis, Griffith University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10072/366930.
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This thesis explores the physical activity experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers from a health promotion viewpoint, in which the determinants of physical activity can be understood. Although regarded as highly inactive subgroup of the population, little is known about the influence the determinants of health have on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers’ physical activity participation. Therefore it is difficult to understand how future interventions could be developed to improve physical activity levels and probably explains why so few exist. The central argument of this thesis was that standardised, ‘one size fits all’ approaches, targeted at the majority are ineffective if they did not address the needs of specific groups and populations.
Physical inactivity is a serious public health issue for all Australians, in particular the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population, who suffer the greatest burden of disease. Hence, efforts to close the gap are needed by promoting physical activity, which is noted as the second most modifiable risk factor to chronic disease. In order to do this a comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence participation is needed. Whilst limited information that documented the physical activity determinants of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers was available, the influences of the broader determinants were examined. The World Health Organization’s social determinants of health were used as framework to understand the various influences that impacted Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women’s lives. The purpose of this initial investigation was to contextualise physical activity behaviour. At this point however, it was discovered that the evidence base of the broader Australian maternal population was also relatively small. Therefore, pilot work was conducted to strengthen the knowledge and approach that would be taken in the main study.Thesis (PhD Doctorate)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
School of Public Health
Griffith Health
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Plater, Suzanne. "The Big Slap: Mature-age Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander university graduates and the myth of meritocracy." Thesis, The University of Sydney, 2020. https://hdl.handle.net/2123/25104.
Full textAbstract:
The Big Slap is a decolonised constructivist grounded theory study that explains the meaning of university education to mature-age Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander university graduates in the context of age, life-stage, history, culture, socioeconomic status, race and place. It situates these meanings within the larger social structures that shaped the graduates’ lives and pays particular but not exclusive attention to the experiences of mature-age Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander university graduates who lived and worked in remote regions of Australia.
This study was developed in response to the identification of a defeatist discourse in the peer-reviewed and grey literature around the potential societal worth of mature-age Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander university students. We noted an especially negative representation in the grey literature around the aspirations, capabilities and potential of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from remote regions. This discourse was starkly at odds with the positive representations of younger Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander university students from regional and urban areas, and mature-age university students in general. It also conflicted with my experiential knowledge of the characteristics and contributions of mature-age Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander university graduates, many of whom lived and worked in remote regions.
The findings of this study provide a far more nuanced appraisal of the potential and actual societal worth of mature-age Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander university students and graduates. They also challenge the ideological construct of Australia as a ‘post-racial’ society. These findings produced The Big Slap substantive grounded theory, which explains the relationship between two dynamic, interrelated and antithetical forces: the transformative potential of university education for mature-age Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates, and the ways in which structural racism in the graduates’ workplaces and communities acted to suppress that potential while protecting white innocence and preserving white power and privilege.
The realisation that the meritocratic ideal promised by university education was largely a myth destabilised the graduates’ critical hope and disrupted their optimistic orientation toward a changed future. Nonetheless, the graduates demonstrated a determined resistance to the oppressive project of structural racism. They retained their transformative potential and remained committed to deploying it to the extent possible in the service of family and community wellbeing.
The Big Slap offers a unique contribution to the fields of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander university education, graduate employment outcomes, and associated workplace organisational behaviour. It disrupts the defeatism in the literature around the potential societal worth of mature-age Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander university students, including those who live and work in remote regions of Australia. It also exposes the presence and effects of structural racism in the graduates’ workplaces and explains its relationship to pervasive and persistent global ideologies of racial superiority and inferiority. Finally, The Big Slap challenges the Australian government and non-government sectors to enact structural change that genuinely and respectfully accommodates mature-age Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander university students’ and graduates’ aspirations and capabilities, and potential and actual contributions to society.
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Lukaszyk, Caroline. "Falls in older Aboriginal people: risk factors, burden, and development of a culturally appropriate fall prevention intervention." Thesis, The University of Sydney, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/2123/18045.
Full textAbstract:
Abstracts – oral conference presentations Lukaszyk, C., Harvey, L., Sherrington, C., Close, J., Coombes, J., Mitchell, R., Moore, R., Ivers, R. Fallrelated injury hospitalisations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50+ in New South Wales, Australia, 15th World Congress on Public Health, April 2017, Melbourne, Australia Lukaszyk, C., Harvey, L., Sherrington, C., Close, J., Coombes, J., Ivers, R. Investigating hospitalisations due to fall-related injury for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in New South Wales, Australia, 7th Biennial Australia and New Zealand Falls Prevention Conference, November 2016, Melbourne, Australia Lukaszyk, C., Coombes, J., Sherrington, C., Keay, L., Tiedemann, A., Cumming, R., Broe, T., Ivers, R. Preventing falls amongst older Aboriginal people: development and pilot evaluation of the Ironbark Program, 15th National Conference of Emerging Researchers in Ageing, October 2016, Canberra, Australia Lukaszyk, C., Approaches to preventing falls amongst older Aboriginal people, Travelling Rural Fall Prevention Network Forum, September 2016, Broken Hill, Dubbo, Australia, invited speaker Lukaszyk, C., Coombes, J., Sherrington, C., Keay, L., Tiedemann, A., Cumming, R., Broe, T., Ivers, R. Developing and trialling a culturally appropriate fall prevention program for older Aboriginal people, Australian Health Promotion Association, June 2016, Perth, Australia Lukaszyk, C., Coombes, J., Sherrington, C., Keay, L., Tiedemann, A., Cumming, R., Broe, T., Ivers, R. Approaches to developing a falls prevention program for older Aboriginal people, Australian Injury Prevention Network, November 2015, Sydney, Australia Lukaszyk, C., Coombes, J., Falls Prevention in Older Aboriginal People: Approaches to Program Development, Championing Falls in April Forum, April 2015, Sydney, Australia, invited speaker Lukaszyk, C., Coombes, J., Sherrington, C., Keay, L., Tiedemann, A., Cumming, R., Broe, T., Ivers, R. Falls prevention in older Aboriginal people: service audit and yarning circle discussions, Australian Injury Prevention Network, November 2014, Sydney, Australia Lukaszyk, C., Coombes, J., Sherrington, C., Keay, L., Tiedemann, A., Cumming, R., Broe, T., Mack, H., Ivers, R. The Ironbark Project: Fall Prevention in Older Aboriginal People in NSW, Australian and New Zealand Falls Prevention Conference, November 2014, Sydney, Australia Lukaszyk, C., Coombes, J., Sherrington, C., Keay, L., Tiedemann, A., Cumming, R., Broe, T., Ivers, R. Ironbark Project Service Audit on Fall Prevention in Aboriginal People, Emerging Health Policy Research Conference, October 2014, Sydney, Australia Abstracts – poster conference presentations Lukaszyk, C., Coombes, J., Keay, L., Sherrington, C., Tiedemann, A., Turner, NJ., Cumming, R., Broe, T., Hillmann, E., Ivers, R. Working together to develop and trial a culturally appropriate fall prevention program for older Aboriginal people. Lowitja Institute International Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Conference, November 2016, Melbourne, Australia Lukaszyk, C., Harvey, L., Close, J., Ivers, R. Investigating fall-related injury hospitalisations for older Indigenous people in Australia, 12th World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion, September 2016, Tampere, Finland Lukaszyk, C., Coombes, J., Sherrington, C., Keay, L., Tiedemann, A., Cumming, R., Broe, T., Ivers, R. Developing and trialling a culturally appropriate fall prevention program for older Aboriginal people, RICH forum, March 2015, Multiple locations, Australia Workshops “Fall prevention for older Aboriginal people: lessons from the Ironbark Aboriginal Fall Prevention Project”, pre-conference workshop for the 7th Biennial Australia and New Zealand Falls Prevention Conference, Melbourne, November 2016 Awards Cross Cultural Public Health Research Award. May 2017. University of Sydney and University of Western Sydney. Postgraduate Research Support Scheme Travel Grant. October 2017. University of Sydney, School of Public Health. Postgraduate Research Support Scheme Travel Grant. October 2016. University of Sydney, School of Public Health.
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Miller, Gregory P., and n/a. "Teacher education programs, at James Cook University of North Queensland, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students." University of Canberra. Education, 1988. http://erl.canberra.edu.au./public/adt-AUC20061110.103136.
Full textAbstract:
In this thesis I propose to address what are, in my
view, significant educational problems: how to tease out
and analyse those principles, concerning equity and social
justice, which underlie a particular program of teacher education. I want to discuss the kinds of principles,
issues and considerations which have to be faced when
designing such a program as the Diploma of Teaching (Early
Childhood Education) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander students at James Cook University. The issues I
will address are these:
(a) The extent to which the notion of equality of
educational opportunity is being addressed in the
provision of teacher-education programs in
Queensland in general, and James Cook University in
particular; (chapter 1).
(b) Ways in which the Diploma of Teaching (Early
Childhood Education) p r o g r am aims to produce
teachers able to act as agents of bi-cultural
transmission; (chapters 2 and 3).
(c) The value, usefulness and desirability of James
Cook University setting up a teacher-education
program specifically for Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander students from geographically remote
communities, thus increasing the participation
rates of Aborigines and Islanders in teacher-education programs; (chapters 4 and 5).
This process of analysis has led me to structure the
thesis around three dimensions:
(i) The historical context of the program;
(ii) The program as one response to the problems
faced by educational institutions in meeting
the educational needs of Aboriginal people;
(iii) A basis for the next phase in the development
of new programs of teacher - education for
indigenous students living in remote
communities.
This is a qualitative research project, based on my
interpretation of available documentation, my use of
relevant literature, and my own involvement as planner of,
and teacher in the program. It is not a quantitative
research project. The structure of the thesis has, as its
introduction, an analysis of the extremely complex situation
which exists at James Cook University. This analysis leads
to a search for a set of principles to provide the
theoretical underpinning of the program, which in turn leads
through a combination of theory and practice to the "praxis"
of the program as a model of equity and educational practice
in teacher-education. The thesis is concluded by the
presentation of the current stage in the development of a
program for teacher-education students in remote
communi ties.
The conceptual framework for my thesis has been
developed through my determination to increase my
understanding of the complexities of developing teacher-education
programs for indigenous students at James Cook
University. The thesis is developed through case study
techniques including: personal observation and recording of
my work as Program Planner; a situational analysis of the
historical background, leading up to the development of the
Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) ; a
discussion of the stages through which the development team
proceeded with intentionality and empathy towards its task
of constructing a specific program of teacher-education; and
my use of existing literature to comprehend the educational
and social problems which the program attemted to
alleviate.
Throughout my thesis the specificity of the "case", and
the eclectic position I have adopted, have acted as
boundaries of my conceptual framework. My thesis attempts
to show that the "case" of the development of teacher-education
programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
students at James Cook University, although an idiosyncratic
instance , is valuable as illumination , if not for
generalisation, and thus has a credibility and usefulness.
The characteristics of the case-study method are
frequently more appropriate to expansion is than
reductionist activities, and I have tried to show how the
different perspectives of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal
people, together with the beliefs, attitudes and values of
such different interest-groups as university academics,
Commonwealth and State Education Department bureaucrats, and
teachers and parents in schools, have emphasised both the
importance of questioning assumptions and the importance of
critical, experiential understanding.
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Bray, Carly. "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people(s) in Australian print news: A corpus-based critical discourse analysis." Thesis, Department of Linguistics, 2021. https://hdl.handle.net/2123/25889.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis investigates the representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people(s) in mainstream Australian newspapers. It combines approaches from corpus linguistics and critical discourse analysis to examine factors such as terms of reference, prominent themes and salient discourses employed in this coverage. The data consists of a purpose-built corpus of articles containing mention of Aboriginal people(s) or issues published in the 12 major metropolitan dailies within a 3-month period in mid 2019. The analysis confirmed a number of previous findings, as well as identifying two previously unidentified discourses—those of economic success and non-agential cooperation—and the linguistic resources used to construct them. One particularly valuable contribution is the finding that the agency of Aboriginal participants in cooperative events is often undermined using prepositions, a part of speech regularly overlooked in both corpus linguistic and critical discourse analytic studies.
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Aitchison, Rosslyn. "Prepared for Difference? Exploring Child Protection Practice with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Families in Rural Australia." Thesis, Griffith University, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10072/366230.
Full textAbstract:
In Australia, over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in child protection systems is increasing. The legacy of the stolen generation has led to grief, sadness and loss of identity for many people, and major disparities in health, education, employment and housing means that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families are more susceptible to child welfare interventions in the present and future. This makes it imperative that responses for these families are more effective, in order to achieve socially just outcomes. As well, Australia’s growing multicultural society has increased demand for services provided to people from diverse cultural backgrounds to recognise the impact and importance of culture and to respond effectively. Cultural competency, which focuses on developing knowledge, skills and values for cross cultural practice, has gained momentum. It aims to enhance the ability of workers to provide culturally relevant and effective responses to people from different cultural backgrounds. However, ensuring that practices in the human services are culturally appropriate, culturally safe, salient, and effective, has proved elusive.Thesis (PhD Doctorate)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
School of Human Services and Social Work
Griffith Health
Full Text
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Hughes, Bridget Y. "Collective impact: Closing the gap in educational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Queensland." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2022. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/230011/1/Bridget_Hughes_Thesis.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis examined the educational outcomes for Indigenous children enrolled in Queensland state (public) primary schools from the perspective of the collective and social impact of programs and services. The study used quantifiable data to show that the gap is not closing, regardless of an improvement in attendance, along with literacy and numeracy achievement levels, in certain regions of Queensland.
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Aldrich, Rosemary Public Health & Community Medicine Faculty of Medicine UNSW. "Flesh-coloured bandaids: politics, discourse, policy and the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples 1972-2001." Awarded by:University of New South Wales. School of Public Health and Community Medicine, 2006. http://handle.unsw.edu.au/1959.4/27276.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis concerns the relationship between ideology, values, beliefs, politics, language, discourses, public policy and health outcomes. By examining the origins of federal health policy concerning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples 1972-2001 I have explored the idea that the way a problem is constructed through language determines solutions enacted to solve that problem, and subsequent outcomes. Despite three decades of federal policy activity Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children born at the start of the 21st Century could expect to live almost 20 years less than non-Indigenous Australians. Explanations for the gap include that the colonial legacy of dispossession and disease continues to wreak social havoc and that both health policy and structures for health services have been fundamentally flawed. The research described in this thesis focuses on the role of senior Federal politicians in the health policy process. The research is grounded in theory which suggests that the values and beliefs of decision makers are perpetuated through language. Using critical discourse analysis the following hypotheses were tested: 1. That an examination of the language of Federal politicians responsible for the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples over three decades would reveal their beliefs, values and discourses concerning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and their health 2. That the discourses of the Federal politicians contributed to policy discourses and frames in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health policy environment, and 3. That there is a relationship between the policy discourses of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health policy environment and health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. The hypotheses were proven. I concluded that there was a relationship between the publicly-expressed values and beliefs of politicians responsible for health, subsequent health policy and resulting health outcomes. However, a model in which theories of discourse, social constructions of people and problems, policy development and organisational decision-making were integrated did not adequately explain the findings. I developed the concept of "policy imagination" to explain the discrete mechanism by which ideology, politics, policy and health were related. My research suggests that the ideology and values which drove decision-making by Federal politicians responsible for the health of all Australians contributed to the lack of population-wide improvement in health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in the late 20th Century.
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Hill, Braden. "Transformation at the cultural interface: Exploring the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students undertaking university studies." Thesis, Hill, Braden (2020) Transformation at the cultural interface: Exploring the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students undertaking university studies. Masters by Research thesis, Murdoch University, 2020. https://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/59416/.
Full textAbstract:
While transformative learning has been investigated in a range of contexts, there remains little known about the extent to which higher education is transformative for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Therefore, this study explores the experiences of Indigenous students undertaking university studies in order to understand the nuances and complexities of their journeys into and throughout the cultural interface within the context of higher education.
This qualitative interpretive study applied narrative inquiry to investigate the experiences of 19 undergraduate Indigenous university students. Written narratives, focus groups and in-depth interviews were used to collate 19 individual student stories for analysis and interpretation.
The key themes emergent from these narratives related to the students’ development of self-efficacy, the negotiation of their families’ perceptions and expectations and the affirming of their cultural identities as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The two key theoretical concepts used to guide the discussion of the themes were Nakata’s (2007) cultural interface theory and Mezirow’s (1991) transformative learning theory.
The findings of this study revealed that university learning had fostered, for most of the student participants, a sense of transformation and change. New relationships with peers were found to be a critical part of the students’ support network while at university. As the students progressed throughout their studies, they gained confidence and a sense of belonging within the university community. Such enablers fostered an increased sense of self-worth and wellbeing that further developed the students’ sense of self-efficacy and ability to succeed at the cultural interface of higher education. Family was seen as vitally important in relation to support for the students but also at times a challenge to be negotiated carefully. Finally, it was also found that university had strengthened the students’ relationship to their Indigeneity. These findings have key implications for the way institutions support and teach Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and provides a nuanced insight into their university journeys at the cultural interface.
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Peacock, Janice, and n/a. "Inner Weavings: Cultural Appropriateness for a Torres Strait Island Woman Artist of Today." Griffith University. Queensland College of Art, 2006. http://www4.gu.edu.au:8080/adt-root/public/adt-QGU20070327.140720.
Full textAbstract:
This exegesis examines the context of my studio work submitted for the degree of Doctor of Visual Art at Griffith University in 2004. My art practice reflects my identity, which is complex and many-stranded, but at its core is my identity as a 21st century woman of Torres Strait Islander descent. I also acknowledge multiple heritages and, like many of my contemporaries, I am a descendant of those two thirds of the Torres Strait population who now live on the Australian mainland. Having been born and brought up on the mainland also means that I am connected to, and have been affected by, wider Australian Indigenous issues, particularly those resulting from the alienation and dislocation which stem from colonialism. Therefore, as I draw from both traditional and contemporary modes and theory to explore the appropriateness of my art practice, this exegesis centres on the question: What constitutes culturally appropriate practice for me as a contemporary Torres Strait Island woman?
26
Peacock, Janice. "Inner Weavings: Cultural Appropriateness for a Torres Strait Island Woman Artist of Today." Thesis, Griffith University, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10072/365502.
Full textAbstract:
This exegesis examines the context of my studio work submitted for the degree of Doctor of Visual Art at Griffith University in 2004. My art practice reflects my identity, which is complex and many-stranded, but at its core is my identity as a 21st century woman of Torres Strait Islander descent. I also acknowledge multiple heritages and, like many of my contemporaries, I am a descendant of those two thirds of the Torres Strait population who now live on the Australian mainland. Having been born and brought up on the mainland also means that I am connected to, and have been affected by, wider Australian Indigenous issues, particularly those resulting from the alienation and dislocation which stem from colonialism. Therefore, as I draw from both traditional and contemporary modes and theory to explore the appropriateness of my art practice, this exegesis centres on the question: What constitutes culturally appropriate practice for me as a contemporary Torres Strait Island woman?Thesis (Professional Doctorate)
Doctor of Visual Arts (DVA)
Queensland College of Art
Full Text
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Kirkwood, Sandra Jane. "Frameworks of culturally engaged community music practice in rural Ipswich." Thesis, Griffith University, 2009. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/132103/2/132103.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
This study is a critical reflection on two music projects that I conducted in my home area of Ipswich, Australia, prior to undertaking this research. The music projects involved participatory action research to investigate the music heritage and culture of the rural Ipswich region. The purpose of this study is to review and analyse the creative processes that I used in the rural Ipswich music projects in order to develop suitable practice frameworks for similar projects in future. The first music project was a collaborative investigation of the music history of Purga in rural Ipswich (2003-2005). Local people and those who used to live in the area were invited to come back to share memories of the music from the area with one another. People collaborated creatively: This allowed me to write The Purga Music Story and Harold Blair (2005), an inter-generational community education package. In 2003, we established the Purga Music Museum as a meeting place where the music heritage and culture of our neighbourhood is performed and displayed. The second music project (2006) was a study of contemporary music in rural Ipswich that resulted in community consultation and the development of a Music Action Plan for the area. I continued facilitating community music in rural Ipswich, as the curator of the Purga Music Museum, until 2008. Both music projects presented different challenges in the establishment of processes that would be effective for the needs and interests of people from various cultural groups. The work was fraught with complex decisions and ethical dilemmas about representation and music cultural heritage management because our neighbourhood previously contained the Purga Aboriginal Mission (1915-1948). The findings therefore relate to the struggles of the ‘Stolen Generation’-- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were taken away from their families and forced to live in government-controlled residential situations. New, respectful approaches had to be found, conducive to the health and well-being of all concerned. For this reason, participatory action research methods were developed and a ‘Community of Discovery’ approach was used. Throughout this study, I investigate issues that arose as people told their music stories, and passed on music heritage and culture from one generation to the next. The key question is “What are appropriate frameworks of culturally engaged community music practice for rural Ipswich?” This study also draws on findings from the music projects to address the sub-questions, “How did community music practice function in the past in rural Ipswich?” “What is the current situation regarding contemporary community music practice in rural Ipswich?” and “What can be done to enhance future community music practice for rural Ipswich?” Aspects of music and health practice complement each other in this study. As a dual qualified music and health professional, I draw on expertise from both of these areas. Ethnographic methods were used to record and review the findings from each music project. The analysis is grounded in review of literature and other sources, creative display and performance, analysis of music history, community consultation, and critical reflection on my own community music practice. Finally, this evidence-based process of professional reasoning leads to the development of appropriate practice frameworks that transform the way that I intend to deliver services in future, and will hopefully inspire others. The thesis has five parts. The context and rationale for the research are outlined in Part 1. This is followed by description of the two music projects in Part 2. Part 3 is an exploration of how my music practice is situated in relation to scholarly literature (and other sources) and outlines the chosen theoretical constructs or models. This prepares for critical analysis and discussion of specific issues that arose from reflection on practice in Part 4. The conclusions of the research, presented in chapter 9, outline the creative processes, underlying principles, and the philosophy of my practice. The study concludes with an epilogue, which is a consideration of the present situation and suggested future directions for service provision and research.
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Cullen, Patricia. "An exploration of driver licence participation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Australia: Understanding the barriers, facilitators and impact." Thesis, The University of Sydney, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/2123/17264.
Full textAbstract:
Reduced driver licence participation among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people has significant road safety implications and contributes to transport injury and an overrepresentation of Aboriginal people in prison. Further, reduced licensing contributes to transport disadvantage and may be presenting a barrier to well-being that derives from fulfilling cultural priorities; however, little is known about the relationship between licence participation, social inclusion and health in Aboriginal communities. Licensing support interventions have been implemented in Aboriginal communities, however few are formally evaluated and consequently there is a dearth of evidence that establishes best practice for responsive licensing support. Consequently, this research aims to explore the barriers, facilitators and impact of licence participation in Aboriginal communities in Australia. Underlying this program of research is the objective to develop recommendations that promote equity and ensure interventions build upon the strengths in Aboriginal communities. A mixed methods approach was employed, which was underpinned by a social ecology framework to explore social and environmental inequalities that underlie health disparities. Significant barriers to licensing are attributed to vulnerability and inequity within the licensing and justice system that is pervasively inhibiting access to licensing and subsequently transport for Aboriginal people. Licensing can be addressed by sustained implementation of community-based support programs that are culturally responsive; however this does not comprehensively address the inequity that underlies reduced licence participation. Reduced licensing is not simply a “transport” issue; there are far-reaching consequences and a complex interplay of issues that thwart driver licensing participation in Aboriginal communities. This research has asserted the need for a review of policies that are inadvertently inequitable and the need for an intersectoral approach to promote Aboriginal health and well-being by comprehensively working across policy sectors. Addressing reduced licence participation in Aboriginal communities has the potential to create generational change across multiple sectors including health, human services and justice.
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Fienberg, Thomas Bennett. "Collaboration, Community and Co-composition: A Music Educator’s Ethnographic Account of Learning (through and from) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music." Thesis, The University of Sydney, 2019. http://hdl.handle.net/2123/20791.
Full textAbstract:
As music education in Australia progresses towards a National Curriculum, questions of how best to teach the music of the country’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are paramount. Inspired by collaborative projects between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous musicians at the national professional level, the detailed ethnographic study set out in this thesis examines the workings of the researcher’s own 2013-14 Senior Secondary Music Class from an urban Sydney school as it became immersed in the study of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music. Student’s reflections and attitudes towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music are noted, discussed and analysed with reference to their previous learning experiences. The focus then shifts to a project run in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney that culminated in the collaborative reworking of two songs that had been shared with the class by Ngiyampaa composer and dancer, Peter Williams. The students’ experiential and attitudinal shifts are analysed in detail, from the moment they heard, transcribed and learnt the songs, through experimentation with their own interpretations, and ultimately, collaboration with the songs’ owner as we rehearsed and performed them together then recorded and reflected upon the results. Data for the study consisted of extensive video footage and observations of teaching, learning and practising, audio recorded ethnographic interviews (including with three teacher colleagues who attended the camp), participants’ written reflections and the researcher’s field notes. Beyond describing the musical interactions—a process of collaborative engagement understood as co-composition—this thesis endeavours to convey the crucial importance of establishing and developing relationships with members of one’s local community in the process of teaching and learning from and through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music.
30
Ah-Wong, Wayne, and w. ah-wong@cqu edu au. "Living between cultures: Reflections of three Mackay Elders: Aboriginal, Torres Strait Island and South Sea Island residents in Mackay from the 1930s to 2000." Central Queensland University. Nulloo Yumbah, 2007. http://library-resources.cqu.edu.au./thesis/adt-QCQU/public/adt-QCQU20081005.163730.
Full textAbstract:
The Thesis explores the life situations of the three Mackay-based groups: Aboriginal, Torres Strait and South Sea Islander through oral history research and the lived experience of an Elder from each of these groups. Using a combination of oral and written approaches, the project seeks to document ongoing interactions between the three groups from the 1930s and assess their implications for culture, identity and mobility.
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Joliffe, Edward Keith, and n/a. "Developing a multiple discourse model of analysis through an evaluation of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Policy." University of Canberra. Education, 1995. http://erl.canberra.edu.au./public/adt-AUC20060802.170810.
Full textAbstract:
The overarching research problem for this study was the need to improve
upon rational models of policy analysis and delivery, to suit complex postmodern
implementation environments. A theoretical model suited to implementing and
evaluating major education reform initiatives was devised. Called the 'Multiple Discourse Model', it was grounded in systems theory, containing elements
reminiscent of social systems, organisational and structural functionalist research,
especially that of Hoy and Miskel (1982)1. However the model was also designed
to incorporate a parallel naturalistic analysis reminiscent of postmodern critical
pragmatic approaches, such as those explored by Cherryholmes (1994)2. Over a
period of five years, this model was developed through an evaluation of the
implementation of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Policy (AEP) in the Australian Capital Territory government secondary schools
sector.
The distinguishing feature of the study's methodology was its multiperspective
analysis, an approach suggested by Mclaughlin (1987)3 to take account
of the differing communities of discourse which exist in a reformist policy
implementation environment.
To operationalise the research problem, dimensions of policy effectiveness
were articulated. These were addressed through a comprehensive set of research
indicators, extracted from the AEP's national policy goals and the local strategic and
operational plans. Data aimed at judging the effectiveness of implementation were
collected from multiple sources using multiple research instruments. These data
were analysed in three stages using a purpose-designed computer program which
could cross-reference between the four interacting dimensions of research
indicators, research instruments, data sources, and potential variables modifying
policy/program outcomes.
It was found that this model produced clear conclusions about the
effectiveness of AEP implementation in the delimited sector, within the framework
of the AEP's own policy assumptions. The model also provided insights into critical
issues which are generalisable to the national context, such as the power of cultural
hegemony and the socio-political predicament of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander dispossession. As a methodology, the model was found to have a number
of technical advantages, including its capacity for focussing on selected areas of the
implementation environment, its provision of access to multiple levels of detail
amongst data and its possession of mechanisms for monitoring its own internal
validity.
The evaluation case study, used as the vehicle for the Multiple Discourse
Model's development, demonstrated that best-practice administration was in place
which enhanced short and medium-term policy/program outcomes. However, the
study's findings also suggested that a fundamental disjuncture existed between the
AEP's policy/administration paradigm and the conflicting assumptions of the primary
target communities, reinforcing the findings of Sykes (1986)4. The research results
suggested that despite measurable successful inputs, the planned long-term
outcomes of the AEP will not necessarily be achieved. No significant administrative
structures or actions were apparent which could resolve this lack of synchrony at the
interface between government delivery systems and 'grass roots' Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander community values. This raised doubts about whether any
systems approach, however well refined, could be socially useful not only for
evaluation, but also as a basis for reform policy and public administration in a
postmodern pluralist democratic setting. The evaluation was therefore used as a
locus for theoretical reflection as well.
A new policy paradigm is suggested, based on a power-sharing 'theory of
community', more in keeping with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples'
aspirations for self determination and more likely to alleviate the so far unresolved
destructive effects of cultural and political dispossession.
32
Turner, Patricia, and n/a. "From paternalism to participation : the role of the Commonwealth in the administration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs policy." University of Canberra. Administrative Studies, 1994. http://erl.canberra.edu.au./public/adt-AUC20061109.161356.
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Jones, Patricia Y. "An exploration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students' experience of education: a case study of a Catholic secondary school." Thesis, Australian Catholic University, 2018. https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/download/ecc5499417a1b84be8973e64eb8c92b71f91a037af6620a1daf0d0685ab036b9/2957253/JONES_2018_An_exploration_of_Aboriginal_and_Torres.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
The research problem underlying this study concerns the potential of a mainstream secondary school to offer an inclusive and equitable experience of education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Indigenous) students. The research explores how Indigenous students experience education at St Mary’s Catholic College, Cairns.
Three specific research questions frame the organisation of this study: - How do Indigenous students experience teaching and learning at St Mary’s?
- How do Indigenous parents experience the education of their children at St Mary’s?
- How do Indigenous students and their parents experience the implementation of inclusivity policies at St Mary’s?
This study adopts an interpretivist paradigm that is underpinned by constructionist epistemology. Data are analysed from the theoretical standpoint of symbolic interactionism. A case study methodology organises the choice of data-gathering strategies. These are document analysis, focus group interviews and in-depth, individual interviews. This study’s participants are purposively selected from four stakeholder groups: Indigenous students, Indigenous parents, Indigenous support staff and non-Indigenous teachers. In total, 54 stakeholders were participants.
The research generates seven conclusions that add to new knowledge, practice and policy concerning how Indigenous students experience education at St Mary’s.
First, St Mary’s Indigenous students consider their identification as Indigenous to be irrelevant to their engagement in the learning process or to their achievement of learning outcomes. Further, they argue that a serious focus on school academic work is not inconsistent with honouring Indigenous culture and values.
Second, St Mary’s Indigenous students consider teachers’ non-Indigenous backgrounds to be no disadvantage to their learning. Instead, Indigenous students value the presence of differing cultural identities in the classroom for what they contribute to the learning experience. Similarly, Indigenous parents consider a paucity in the number of Indigenous teachers at St Mary’s will not negatively influence their children’s academic outcomes. Instead, they believe interactions with non-Indigenous teachers to be beneficial learning experiences for their children.
Third, Indigenous parents believe that their decision to enrol their children at St Mary’s is a way of ensuring their positive futures. This decision may incur criticism that is supposedly justified by cultural identification values, from extended family members. St Mary’s Indigenous parents consider the defining and dividing of closely related people in order to maintain boundaries of inclusion and exclusion to be harmful for and divisive of Indigenous people.
Fourth, Indigenous families consider St Mary’s to be an authentic, supportive and engaging place for all school community members. Parents noted that the school’s respect of Indigenous peoples and cultures reflected a fundamental characteristic of Catholic education. They value the policies and practices of inclusive education that honour their cultural identities and enable them to experience belonging to an authentic community.
Fifth, Indigenous students consider it more educationally advantageous that teachers identify and address their individual learning needs rather than employ specific pedagogies considered to be preferred by Indigenous students in general. They are appreciative of reflective educators who adopt a variety of pedagogies in order to communicate authentically with all students.
Sixth, ongoing professional development that challenges teachers to become knowledgeable about the different ways of learning that are equally legitimate and appropriate in diverse teaching contexts is needed at St Mary’s. This professional development would encourage teachers to employ a wide range of pedagogies that ensures quality relationships and communication with Indigenous students.
Seventh, St Mary’s Indigenous support staff form an essential relationship between Indigenous students and their families, non-Indigenous teachers and the College leadership. This relationship allows for a better understanding of cultural differences that encourages positive learning outcomes for all students. Non-Indigenous teachers’ valuing of Indigenous aides and elders as co-educators in the classroom is essential for the successful implementation of inclusive education policies.
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Campbell, Jennifer. "The Kungullanji Research Program: An Indigenist Phenomenological Study of an Undergraduate Research Experience for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students." Thesis, Griffith University, 2022. http://hdl.handle.net/10072/418286.
Full textAbstract:
The knowledges and research practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be recognised, respected, and supported as part of the diverse research endeavours of a university and the nation. Systemic and institutionalised racism within educational policies, procedures and structures has imposed barriers to progression for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Institutions fail to recognise and respect the wealth of experiences, strengths, and knowledge that Indigenous people bring to research. Historical exclusion and deficit stereotyping prevent access to research communities and the development of research capital.
Universities must find ways to address systemic racism and support initiatives that move beyond tokenism. These initiatives should authentically support the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholars to help them navigate this cultural interface. Undergraduate research experiences (UREs) have been shown internationally to provide dynamic spaces for people from minority groups to develop research capital and create pathways to careers in research. UREs present an opportunity for the provision of new spaces in Australian institutions that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research, build research capital, and build communities of undergraduate researchers. UREs as a mechanism to transform tertiary institutions into more supportive spaces for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research have not yet been explored in the Australian context.
This thesis explores the phenomenon of a URE designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander undergraduate students at an Australian university. It seeks to understand how this unique URE creates research possibilities, networks, and social capital for undergraduate students. The study employs the lenses of critical race theory, Indigenous standpoint theory, and communities of practice theory in designing an Indigenist phenomenological methodological analytical approach. Indigenist data collection methods include the use of yarning and Dadirri deep listening and reflection to privilege the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants in this research. The phenomenon is examined from the perspective of the program coordinator through the auto-ethnographical approach of scholarly personal narratives, and from the perspectives iv of the Kungullanji Research Program scholars using yarning methodology and a post program survey.
The Kungullanji Research Program was found to: (1) provide new opportunities to interrupt colonising processes and perceptions of students as “non-researchers”; (2) build individual research capital in addition to the benefits generally gained from UREs, to increase student success; (3) build communities of practice among undergraduate researchers that connect with and strengthen existing research communities; and (4) as a result of this social capital and the community of practice, support new research trajectories of program scholars. The Kungullanji community of practice and consequent social capital both enabled and empowered these scholars to navigate the cultural interface within university research environments and helped them to challenge the racial structures that would normally prevent them, and others following, from participating in research.
The significance of this research – the first of its kind investigation of UREs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student scholars – lies in its analysis of how Indigenous knowledges, student voice and co-design assembled to deliver these transformative opportunities. The recommendations herein illustrate to the university sector and research communities throughout Australia how Indigenist research spaces can be developed with the potential to transform not only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students’ lives and careers, but research and knowledge creation across the tertiary education sector.Thesis (PhD Doctorate)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
School Educ & Professional St
Arts, Education and Law
Full Text
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Oxenford, Alison. "Visual profile of aboriginal & Torres strait islander school children in urban Queensland and their associated vision and reading problems." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2000. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/36752/1/36752_Digitised%20Thesis.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
The reading and school performance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (A & TSI) children has been reported to be poorer than that of the wider community. The known association between reading and vision formed the basis of the principal hypothesis tested in this thesis that the poor reading performance of these children has a visual basis. Two experiments made up the main study which examined the visual characteristics and reading performance of children attending two different urban schools; the Holy Rosary school, which catered for children from many ("mixed") cultural backgrounds and the St Francis school, whose students were predominantly of A & TSI culture.
In experiment I, the visual characteristics of 41 A & TSI children (13 from the Holy Rosary school, 28 from the St Francis school), aged between 8 and 11 years were measured. In general, A & TSI children exhibited low hyperopic refractive errors and other optometric findings were similarly within normal limits. Agematched data for 13 A & TSI children from each of the two schools was also compared. Horizontal eye movement ability and reading comprehension skills were significantly poorer in the A & TSI children attending the "mixed" (Holy Rosary) school, while the perceptual skills of the A & TSI students attending the "A & TSI" (St Francis) school were significantly worse.
The second experiment investigated the vision and reading performance of A & TSI and non-A & TSI children attending the same school. Age-matched data of 13 A & TSI and 13 non-A & TSI students were analysed. While the visual profiles of the A & TSI and non-A & TSI students were not significantly different, the reading accuracy and comprehension scores were significantly worse in the A & TSI children when compared with the non-A & TSI group. The results from both experiments are consistent with previous reports of poor reading performance in A & TSI children but argue against poor vision being the cause of this reduced reading performance.
As an adjunct to this study, the Turtle chart, designed specifically for use with A & TSI children, was evaluated. The vision of 97 students, 60 A & TSI and 37 non-A & TSI students, aged between 6 and 12 years, was measured using both a standard Bailey-Lovie chart and a Turtle chart. The results obtained with the two charts were highly correlated, indicating that the Turtle chart is a culturally appropriate alternative for the measurement of vision in A & TSI children.
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Shay, Marnee. "Practices of alternative schools in Queensland in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to remain engaged in education." Thesis, University of the Sunshine Coast, 2013. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/71023/1/71023_SHAY_Thesis_final.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
Alternative schools are an emerging model of education offered to young people who have been disenfranchised from conventional schooling opportunities. The body of literature on alternative schools in Australia has not identified how many Indigenous young people are engaged with alternative schools and how alternative schools are supporting Indigenous young people to remain engaged in education. It is well documented that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience significant disadvantage including poorer educational outcomes than their non-Indigenous peers. This study seeks to contribute to improving educational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people through exploring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander interactions with alternative schools in Queensland and investigating the practices of alternative school leaders in terms of how they are supporting Indigenous young people to remain engaged in education.
Critical race theory informed the development of this study. An Aboriginal researcher sought to shift the focus of this study away from Indigenous young people to Principals; to explore their perspective of their own knowledge and practices in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people at their school. Using survey methodology, a web-based questionnaire was developed to survey Principals’ providing data on alternative schools in Queensland including the demographics of the alternative school; self-reported knowledge of Indigenous cultures and communities and practices that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people at their alternative school.
There are nine key findings that emerged through the analysis of this study: key finding one is the high percentage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people enrolled in schools surveyed; key finding two is there is a high percentage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff employed in the schools; key finding three is the majority of the schools are located in low socio-economic areas; key finding four is the strong willingness of Principals’ in this study to engage in self-directed learning in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; key finding five is the limited demonstration of understandings of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and communities; key finding six is the most prevalent practice of Principals’ in this study is the celebration of cultural events and cultural activities; key finding seven is the limited Principal engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, their families and the local community; key finding eight is the practice of alternative schools provides limited support and nurturing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young person’s cultural identity and key finding nine is that Principals’ are relying heavily on informal discussions with staff to know what their staff’s knowledge and skills are in relation to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.
There are multiple implications that have arisen from this study. The data demonstrated high numbers of Aboriginal and Torre Strait Islander students and staff. The data also revealed that Principal’s demonstration of knowledge in relation to Indigenous cultures and communities was limited, as well as limited Principal engagement with Indigenous young peoples, families and communities. Therefore a major practical implication of this study is the urgent need for quality cultural learning opportunities for leaders of alternative schools to improve practices. Additionally, the implications of this study support an urgent need for further research on the role alternative schools are playing in supporting Indigenous young people to remain engaged in education.
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Singh, Adrian A. "Socio-economic, geographic, and aboriginal and Torres strait islander inequalities in diabetic foot disease and diabetes-related lower extremity amputations." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2018. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/119222/1/Adrian_Singh_Thesis.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
Diabetic foot disease (DFD) which can result in an amputation is one of the leading reasons why a person with diabetes is hospitalised. With minimal knowledge of the impact of social factors, this study examined hospitalisation related to DFD and eventual amputations in Queensland. A total of 19,790 people in Queensland who were hospitalised for DFD were people from more disadvantaged areas tended to be younger, live in remote areas, of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander origin with amputations being significantly higher for persons of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status. It is the first time a study has investigated the pattern of DFD hospitalisation and amputation by social factors.
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Schiavon, Sara <1994>. "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages Education in Australia. The importance and limits of teaching Australian Indigenous languages in schools." Master's Degree Thesis, Università Ca' Foscari Venezia, 2021. http://hdl.handle.net/10579/18689.
Full textAbstract:
Questa tesi tratta l’importanza e i limiti dell’educazione delle lingue Aborigene e dello Stretto di Torres nelle scuole in Australia. Le lingue Indigene in Australia hanno una storia difficile, fatta di privazioni che ne misero in pericolo la sopravvivenza. Negli scorsi decenni le lingue Aborigene sono state messe in risalto, in modo da salvarle dalla loro estinzione. Diversi programmi incoraggiano il loro insegnamento nelle scuole, tuttavia non c’è ancora una politica che lo regoli a livello nazionale. La prima parte della tesi si focalizza sulla condizione delle lingue Aborigene in Australia e sulla loro storia recente, così come sulle politiche e tattiche pedagogiche efficaci. Nella seconda parte, la ricerca si focalizza su due interviste con due insegnanti coinvolti nell’insegnamento delle lingue Aborigene, L’obiettivo è di portare alla luce l’importanza dell’introduzione delle lingue Indigene a scuola, e i limiti che le esperienze denotano. Le interviste sono state analizzate e confrontate in modo da evidenziare i diversi aspetti delle due esperienze. Entrambi gli intervistati valutano positivamente gli effetti che l’introduzione delle lingue Aborigene nelle scuole ha sugli studenti e le comunità. Tuttavia gli ostacoli non mancano e riguardano maggiormente la motivazione, la mancanza di politiche adeguate e la formazione degli insegnanti. Inoltre, entrambi concordano sulla necessità di una maggiore regolazione dell’insegnamento delle lingue Aborigene nelle scuole, cominciando dalle politiche, che faciliterebbero gli insegnanti e le comunità a creare programmi linguistici più efficaci.
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Shay, Marnee. "Counter stories: Developing Indigenist research methodologies to capture the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff in flexi school contexts." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2017. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/107925/4/Marnee_Shay_Thesis.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
The focus of this study was to centre the voices and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in flexi school context. The voices prominent in this study are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educative staff in flexi schools and my voice, as an Aboriginal researcher. Flexi schools are engaging with high numbers of Indigenous people, yet this context of schooling is relatively absent from the broader Indigenous education discourse. This qualitative study explores the experiences of Indigenous staff in flexi schools in Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia. Using autoethnography, I documented my experiences as an Aboriginal education researcher using yarning methodology in institutionalised education settings to consider new uses of Indigenist methodology and identify practical implications for Indigenous researchers using Indigenous ways of being, knowing and doing in settings that have historically perpetuated exclusion, imperialism and racism.
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Arnold, Anna-Lena. "Applied Epidemiology in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health." Master's thesis, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/1885/110475.
Full textAbstract:
My placement for the Master of Philosophy in Applied Epidemiology (MAE) degree was with the Evidence and Evaluation section, within the Indigenous Health Division, Australian Government Department of Health. In this thesis, I present projects undertaken which fulfil the requirements of the MAE program. Data analysis project: The Northern Territory Aboriginal Health Key Performance Indicators (NT AHKPIs) are a collection of key performance indicators that measure primary health care (PHC) performance. I conducted a descriptive analytical study of the NT AHKPIs. The data that inform the NT AHKPIs are not currently in the public domain, this chapter is therefore a closed chapter. Evaluation project: I evaluated the NT AHKPIs to assess the extent to which the NT AHKPIs are addressing their intended goals and to determine whether they were being used for other purposes; my approach to the evaluation was utilisation focused. Preliminary findings show that the KPIs are useful to inform service planning and continuous quality improvement, but there is room for improvement. Findings were reported back to the NT AHKPI steering committee to inform ongoing strengthening of the NT AHKPI system. Epidemiological study: Anaemia in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the NT is a public health problem. I undertook a study to describe the application of best practice guidelines for screening and management of children aged 6 months to 3 years with anaemia in the NT. Findings show that of 5,543 children, 63% were screened for anaemia. The prevalence of anaemia was 40% - a ‘severe’ public health problem as defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO). A very low proportion of anaemic children were recorded as treated according to best practice guidelines, however, our findings are subject to multiple potential biases and these findings need to be validated. Outbreak investigation: I was a member of the Communicable Disease Network Australia team that investigated an unusual cluster of Ralstonia bacteraemia from 1 April to 26 June 2014 in three states in Australia. The objectives of this investigation were to assess the possibility of a causal association between the administration of propofol and Ralstonia bacteraemia, and to identify sources of the infections. The propofol solution passed all sterility and contamination tests, but 18% of the flip-off caps and external surfaces of the rubber stoppers were contaminated with a variety of bacterial species including R. mannitolylitica. These isolates were genetically indistinguishable from three out of eight isolates from patients with R. mannitolylitica bacteraemia. Findings from this study highlighted the need for proper aseptic techniques when administering intravenous injections. I spent ten weeks in Sierra Leone supporting the WHO’s response to the Ebola virus disease outbreak (EVD). I summarise my role and responsibilities in the outbreak, including a description of our investigation of a cluster of cases with EVD.
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Riley, Tamara. "Partnerships in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research." Master's thesis, 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/1885/201637.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis comprises a collection of applied epidemiological studies including an evaluation and
epidemiological study, an outbreak investigation, and a data analysis. All studies are focused on
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander One Health (which recognises that the health of people is
related to the health of animals and their interaction with the environment), sexual health, and child
health. All studies highlight the importance of partnerships and community involvement.
The first study is an evaluation of a community driven animal health and management program in
the remote Aboriginal community of Wadeye in the Northern Territory. Wadeye has approximately
2300 residents and 650 dogs and cats. However, there is very limited access to veterinary care and
animal medicines. To address community concerns regarding animal health, an animal health and
management program was co-developed and implemented by Animal Management in Rural and
Remote Indigenous Communities (AMRRIC) and the Thamarrurr Development Corporation (TDC)
Rangers, with support from the West Daly Regional Council. This study is a quantitative
epidemiological study that evaluated the impact of this animal health and management program in
Wadeye. This included analysing animal and human health outcomes before and after program
implementation to assess the impact of the animal program on the health of animals and people
within the community. This study involved engagement and partnerships with AMRRIC and TDC, as
well as the community of Wadeye.
The second study is an outbreak investigation analysing Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
notifications among the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population in Far North Queensland to
determine if an outbreak has occurred. The Tropical Public Health Unit - Cairns observed an increase
in HIV notifications since 2014 affecting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population. HIV has
been notifiable in Queensland since 1984. This study is a quantitative descriptive analysis, using the
Queensland Notifiable Conditions database, to analyse data on HIV notifications from 1 January
1984 - 30 June 2019, to quantify the history of HIV notifications and assess whether an outbreak has
occurred. This study involved engagement and partnerships with local health organisations,
Queensland Health, and the South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI).
The third study is a data analysis focusing on chronic disease risk in Aboriginal children involved in
the Study of Environment on Aboriginal Resilience and Child Health (SEARCH). SEARCH is a cohort
study of Aboriginal children and adolescents and is conducted with four Aboriginal Community
Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) in New South Wales. Chronic disease affects Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander adults at higher rates than non-Indigenous Australian adults. However, it is not
clear if this risk emerges during childhood and/or adolescence. This study is a cross-sectional analysis
that quantifies the distribution of chronic disease markers in the cohort overall, and in relation to
age group, gender, and Body Mass Index (BMI). This study involved engagement and partnerships
with two ACCHS including the Tharawal Aboriginal Medical Service (based in Western Sydney), and
the Riverina Medical and Dental Aboriginal Corporation (based in Wagga Wagga), and also the
SEARCH project team based at the Sax Institute.
The teaching requirements of the MAE are also detailed in this thesis including a lessons from the
field session about the use of logic models in evaluations and a teaching session about One Health in
field epidemiology.
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Loban, Heron. "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and consumer law." Thesis, 2018. https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/56957/1/JCU_56957-loban-2018-thesis.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
The literature identifies a number of underlying issues that impact on the consumer protection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. These issues arise from locational (remoteness), historical (protection and assimilation policies enacted through the colonial process) and cultural factors (rooted in tradition, customs and relationships to people and place). These factors act as a unique combination of circumstances which require a specific approach to consumer protection – one that addresses these issues and redresses 'advantage' and 'disadvantage' and 'power' and 'vulnerability'. A significant gap in the literature is an understanding of the role of culture in consumer transactions involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; how to address locational issues; and the enduring historical impact of colonisation on the consumer behaviour of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This thesis aims to contribute to this knowledge gap.
The case law points to a particular need to look at options such as increased regulation in respect of matters such as unconscionable conduct, and misleading and deceptive conduct. It also indicates a greater need for access to legal education and community awareness about the consumer protections available to them and how best to exercise these legal rights especially for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in remote Australia – to address locational 'disadvantage'. These issues will be explored in depth throughout this thesis including through an analysis of the data collected from semi-structured interviews.
Literacy, numeracy, commercial acumen and financial literacy also appear to impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers in the same way they did 25 years ago, as evidenced by the analysis in Chapter 2 of the case law over this period. Inequality experienced as a result of socio-economic factors will continue to place Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers at a 'disadvantage' for as long as this inequality (gap) remains.
Positively, there is one area in which change is occurring; this is in respect of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumer 'vulnerability' within the new generation has in some ways decreased as a consequence of generational differences and generational change within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population.
The influence of culture and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values (such as relationality) is strong and continues to contribute to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers' 'vulnerability'.
There are challenges present in the consumer protection law that negatively impact on an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person's ability to make informed decisions relate to interpretation and enforcement processes. Rather, the weight of the data together with an analysis of the case law leads to the conclusion that the law is sufficient but that problems lie in the broader themes of discrimination, socio-economic disadvantage and access to justice.
Addressing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumer 'vulnerability' and 'disadvantage' cannot be attended to by the consumer protection laws alone, nor simply by consumer watchdogs, courts, financial counsellors and lawyers working independently from one another. A combination of all of these is required, pieced together within a broader strategy for improving all aspects of the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
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Mahoney, Brendan. "Value in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander souvenir art sector." Thesis, 2011. http://handle.uws.edu.au:8081/1959.7/528109.
Full textAbstract:
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander souvenir art sector with its wide range of products has a long and significant history and is economically important within the industry. However, the full scope of this significance has not been adequately recognised in the academic literature. While the sector’s substantial economic contribution is acknowledged in some policy documents, these considerations are generally brief, with little analysis of any value the sector might generate in the social and cultural spheres. This neglect of souvenir art is driven by two key factors: its low status in the social hierarchy of the arts (Bourdieu, 1984), and the difficulty of finding analytical tools capable of assessing the complexities of the sector without falling into assumptions about the cultural value and ‘authenticity’ of souvenir art. In an attempt to redress this, the thesis develops both a theoretical framework that aims to adequately capture the social, cultural and economic significance of the sector, and analytical tools that cover the broad set of discourses that comprise the subject. As such, I have adapted the insights of modern and critical political economy theories to analyse the distribution of economic capital, and broadened these theories to encompass Pierre Bourdieu’s (1984) concepts of social and cultural capital. This combination of theories forms a broad-ranging theoretical framework that accommodates economic capital and the qualitative discursive constructions that inform amounts of social and cultural capital within the same system. I use this framework to illustrate the social, cultural and economic value of the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander souvenir art sector and its products. These values are traced through an analysis of seven examples of organisations active in the sector. The thesis undertakes a close analysis of aspects of the souvenir art sector that have not been adequately represented in the literature, including the diversity of organisations and broad spectrum of products. The thesis makes an argument for the legitimacy of the sector while addressing the limitations of discourses of authenticity and inauthenticity. I analyse the political economy of the sector to reveal the interaction between state policies and funding statements and the example organisations, illustrating the substantial social, cultural and economic capital that the sector generates.
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Jones, Roxanne. "The epidemiology of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, health and wellbeing." Master's thesis, 2019. http://hdl.handle.net/1885/156448.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis is a compilation of applied epidemiological studies undertaken throughout the course of the Master of Philosophy in Applied Epidemiology (MAE) program. The focus of this thesis is on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing and uses a strengths based, mixed methods approach. Community based participatory research methodologies were utilized in these studies. An outbreak investigation was also undertaken as part of the MAE competencies. This thesis includes the following studies:
- The data analysis and major epidemiological studies explore the association between caring for country, through participation in a Ranger program, and wellbeing. A cross sectional analysis of data collected in Central Australia in 2017, comparing health and wellbeing (life satisfaction, general health, psychological wellbeing and family wellbeing) among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people employed as Rangers (n=43) versus not employed as Rangers (n=160).
- The Stronger Communities for Children (SCfC) program was evaluated through collection of cultural participation data (a key program outcome). Community based participatory research was utilised and community researchers were trained in delivering the survey through partnership with the Palngun Wurnangat Aboriginal Corporation, the Kardu Lurruth Ngala Purrungime Committee and the National Centre of Epidemiology and Population Health.
- An outbreak investigation was undertaken of a cluster of Salmonella Typhimurium with a unique MLVA pattern in Canberra, ACT. Descriptive epidemiology and an environmental investigation was undertaken to identify the source of the pathogen, and implement public health measures to mitigate risk to the public of further infection.
This thesis outlines additional activities undertaken during the MAE. Peer-reviewed articles, conference presentations, lesson plans and study proposals are included throughout.
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West, Matthew. "“Footprints for Life” foot health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples." Thesis, 2021. http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/1445698.
Full textAbstract:
Research Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy (Phd)The limited available data shows Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have disproportionately high rates of diabetes-related foot disease, and experience amputation up to 38 times more frequently than non-Indigenous Australians. The high rate of diabetes-related foot disease in this population results in reduced quality of life, elevated hospitalisation rates and associated expenditure, and significantly contributes to preventable deaths. The reasons for higher rates of diabetes-related foot disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are complex, with a lack of available culturally safe care, low socioeconomic status and poor engagement with Western health services significantly contributing to the current catastrophic outcomes. To effectively address diabetes-related foot disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, a better understanding of the extent of the problem is required, and, there needs to be improved access to culturally safe foot care through better service provision and a more culturally capable health workforce. This thesis had the overarching aims of establishing the foot health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in the local Central Coast community, and developing methods to improve access to, and delivery of, culturally safe foot care. This thesis investigated, via systematic review, the current state of diabetes-related foot disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and the availability and effectiveness of foot care services to reduce diabetes-related foot complications in this population. The reviews demonstrated there is a lack of nationwide data relating to diabetes-related foot disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and, that most data focuses on amputation rates, with little information available regarding specific types of diabetes-related foot complications. Nevertheless we found Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples had between a 3 to 6 fold increased likelihood of both foot ulcer and minor or major amputation, and, that these occurred at a younger age. Furthermore, we found no evidence of state- or nation-wide foot health programs for prevention of diabetes-related foot disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Existing services were localised and there was little evaluation of the acceptability of these programs, levels of community engagement or impact on foot disease. Subsequently through an extensive community consultation process we used an effective co-design approach to develop a foot care service embedded in an undergraduate podiatry program. Key design elements included; integrating ongoing community consultation; involvement of Aboriginal health workers and practitioners connected to their local community; recognising the role of community in cultural capability training of health students; and, creating a flexible and accessible care model that is aligned with the community foot care priorities. To conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the foot care service model, we used culturally appropriate methods to determine the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspective of program success through research yarns and customised surveys, as well as service utilisation data. These data demonstrated that service elements including yarning circles and group appointments, as well as student placements, increased participant engagement with, and ownership of the clinic. Increasing accessibility to the clinic was flagged as a mechanism to further increase engagement. In addition, student placement in a culturally safe clinic significantly improved students’ understanding of multiple aspects of cultural capability (e.g. understanding of culture, history, and their interrelationship with health and health care delivery), and level of confidence with providing culturally appropriate and safe foot care. In summary this research highlights the devastating impact of diabetes-related foot disease for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the importance of a co-designed approach to delivery of culturally safe foot health care, as well as the central role of immersive experiences for developing a culturally safe future podiatry workforce.
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Gilligan, Conor. "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women: an examination of smoking during pregnancy." Thesis, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/29578.
Full textAbstract:
Research Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)After decades of discrimination and deprivation, Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population faces social circumstances and health status which resemble that of a third world population group. With a wide range of health risk factors and morbidities among this population, a logical place to begin tackling the health problems is at the beginning of life. With increasing recognition of the influence of the intrauterine environment upon health, not only during infancy but into adulthood, improving health during pregnancy offers substantial benefit for present and future generations. The poor health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians is deeply ingrained in social deprivation, poor mental well-being, and an array of modifiable risk factors. Smoking is one risk factor at the centre of this complex web. Smoking is often accompanied by, or used as relief in, stressful situations associated with socioeconomic status, mental health, illness, and other addictions. In order to determine the most appropriate way to tackle the smoking issue among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, a series of studies were conducted. Initial literature reviews found limited evidence derived from methodologically rigorous studies in mainstream populations, and even less evidence for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, or other Indigenous groups. Exploration of the knowledge and attitudes of these women in relation to antenatal smoking was conducted to identify the most appropriate targets for intervention. The findings from extensive background studies were drawn upon to design an intervention which aimed to be culturally appropriate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, providing intensive support to assist these women to quit smoking during their pregnancy. Pilot data from the resulting intervention is presented in Chapter 8 of this Thesis. The social network among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities appears to play a central role in the behaviour of individuals. With an array of risk factors and influences found not only in the individuals surrounding women, but in their socioeconomic circumstances and overall environment, it may be that the most important approach for achieving health and behaviour change among this population is the mobilisation of social support and efforts to intervene with multiple elements of that environment.
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Gilligan, Conor. "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women: an examination of smoking during pregnancy." 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/29578.
Full textAbstract:
Research Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)After decades of discrimination and deprivation, Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population faces social circumstances and health status which resemble that of a third world population group. With a wide range of health risk factors and morbidities among this population, a logical place to begin tackling the health problems is at the beginning of life. With increasing recognition of the influence of the intrauterine environment upon health, not only during infancy but into adulthood, improving health during pregnancy offers substantial benefit for present and future generations. The poor health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians is deeply ingrained in social deprivation, poor mental well-being, and an array of modifiable risk factors. Smoking is one risk factor at the centre of this complex web. Smoking is often accompanied by, or used as relief in, stressful situations associated with socioeconomic status, mental health, illness, and other addictions. In order to determine the most appropriate way to tackle the smoking issue among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, a series of studies were conducted. Initial literature reviews found limited evidence derived from methodologically rigorous studies in mainstream populations, and even less evidence for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, or other Indigenous groups. Exploration of the knowledge and attitudes of these women in relation to antenatal smoking was conducted to identify the most appropriate targets for intervention. The findings from extensive background studies were drawn upon to design an intervention which aimed to be culturally appropriate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, providing intensive support to assist these women to quit smoking during their pregnancy. Pilot data from the resulting intervention is presented in Chapter 8 of this Thesis. The social network among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities appears to play a central role in the behaviour of individuals. With an array of risk factors and influences found not only in the individuals surrounding women, but in their socioeconomic circumstances and overall environment, it may be that the most important approach for achieving health and behaviour change among this population is the mobilisation of social support and efforts to intervene with multiple elements of that environment.
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Stolte, Gretchen Marie. "That's deadly! An Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts studio in Cairns, Queensland." Phd thesis, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/1885/155872.
Full textAbstract:
This thesis is an ethnographic and historical account of art and identity production by Indigenous artists in far north Queensland, Australia. It explores how both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists begin to understand and express their Indigeneity through artwork in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art studio in the Tropical North Queensland College of Technical and Further Education (TNQT TAFE), Cairns. It examines why Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people choose to enter into the TNQT Indigenous arts program, how they navigate the expectations of the course and the arts market, while highlighting the complexities and difficulties of being an Indigenous artist. The history of this unique program - the first of its kind in Australia - explores the desires of the students who first created it in 1984 as well as the students who enter through the studio doors in 2010. The studio demands a certain form of expression and 'cultural' knowledge, which fits well with some students and not so well with others. Looking at the artworks painted, dyed, carved and printed in the studio gives testament to the various ways in which students engage with the issues of representation and how they understand their place in the world. "Deadly" was the highest compliment an Indigenous artist could give an artwork inside the studio and the concept is defined as the basis from which an Indigenous artwork is recognised, promoted and accepted. What is or is not deadly centres around contested spaces and ideas of 'culture' - a concept which has been enmeshed with concepts of identity. The history of Indigenous art production in Queensland, along with the purposeful development of an art market and the effects of government policies in conceptualising that market, has been largely left unexplored but has had an enormous effect on the development and expression of Indigenous identity and approaches to an objectified idea of culture as something which is visible rather than internal. This thesis looks at how contemporary, urban Indigenous artists face a number of stereotypes and public expectations when producing artworks. These expectations create a range of tensions for artists that stem from both the success of works from the Northern Territory as well as the past policies of the Queensland government. In particular, it will be shown that the actions of the government body established in the 1950s to create a market for Aboriginal art, Queensland Aboriginal Creations (QAC) has left a mixed legacy for Queensland Indigenous artists. Their art styles have been misinterpreted as derivative copies of 'true' Indigenous works and the positive outcomes that have come from QAC's engagement with communities and artist has not been fully recognised. The legacy of QAC continues on to today and the TNQT Cairns Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art studio reflects these tensions in Indigenous art.
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Leroy-Dyer, Sharlene Michelle. "Private-sector employment programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples: comparative case studies." Thesis, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/1316869.
Full textAbstract:
Research Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples hold a unique position in Australian society, yet they are the most disadvantaged group in the community. This disadvantage is a direct result of the effects of European invasion and the systematic exclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from many institutions of Australian society, such as social security, industrial relations and education systems. The unemployment rate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is three times the national average, the highest unemployment rate of any group in the Australian labour market. Participation rates, skills, qualifications and income are all well below those of the non-Indigenous population. Since 1967, successive Commonwealth governments have attempted to correct these past policies by being proactive in promoting Indigenous education and employment, and by putting policies into place to redress the disadvantage that Indigenous peoples face. This thesis considers a range of employment issues that relate particularly to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ employment. While noting some of the employment strategies utilised by governments, the particular focus of the thesis is with the strategies pursued by private-sector organisations to manage diversity and to reduce labour market disadvantage for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. By exploring these strategies, the thesis aims to identify what works and what does not work. In so doing, the thesis presents an original contribution to knowledge as the first study to examine private-sector attempts to redress labour market disadvantage for these peoples. In addition, the research will provide the basis for formulating and evaluative framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment.
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Reath, Jennifer. "The training and support of general practitioners in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health." Thesis, 2019. http://hdl.handle.net/1959.7/uws:58228.
Full textAbstract:
The body of work presented in this portfolio addresses the research question: “What is best practice in training and support for General Practitioners in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health?” My 13 papers and monographs describe general practice training and related research conducted from 1998-2018, using a range of methodologies. The research is grounded in partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and organisations, and rigorous, evidence based research approaches. In this portfolio I discuss the rationale for training health professionals as a strategy for addressing Indigenous health inequity and provide an organisational context in the Australian general practice training setting. My discussion of the papers and monographs is informed by a comprehensive review of the current literature. Reflecting on my research and the current literature, six themes are identified as framing best practice in general practice training in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, and recommendations for best practice are described under each. The themes are Indigenous leadership and partnerships; organisational commitment; systemic approach; learning approaches; learning content; and assessment and evaluation.