Research Division

The Larrakia Nation has an established Research Division. Through this Division, we have explored a range of issues that impact on Larrakia people, country and on visitors on country. The focus of much of our work has been on Indigenous affairs and homelessness.  Our team also undertakes evaluative research of our own and other organisations’ programs and services. Our research program underpins our committment to evidence-based best practice and fosters continuous quality improvement.

We have managed many research projects in a timely manner and to a high academic standard.  We have presented our work locally, nationally and internationally.  Our team also collaborates and partners with other organisations and educational institutions to undertake research, such as Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education, Charles Darwin University, Flinders University, Menzies School of Health Research, Sydney University and the University of Western Sydney. 
 
In addition to research, our team has been recruited to work on a range of consultancy projects in Darwin and across the Northern Territory.  Drawing on our depth and breadth of skills, we have demonstrated particular strengths in conducting rigorous community engagement processes on a range of issues.  Our ability to make complex and often alien ideas more accessible to community members has been critical to our success in delivering solid outcomes for our clients. 
 
Recent and current research and consultancy projects have examined:
  • the views of Aboriginal people towards mainstream society and institutions
  • the social impacts of the Federal Government's Northern Territory Emergency Response occurring on Larrakia country
  • the prevalence of individuals in Darwin’s Long Grass who are Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptomatic
  • the attitudes of non-Indigenous mainstream society towards people staying in Darwin’s Long Grass
  • Indigenous peoples' attitudes towards alcohol in select NT communities
  • consumer information provided to Indigenous people receiving aged care services in Darwin
  • the experiences and perceptions of Larrakia people on having children
  • increased school attendance initiative for Indigenous primary children residing in Darwin town communities
  • the Elders Visiting Program in the Northern Territory’s correctional facilities
  • the perceptions of the Larrakia relating to the organisations which purport to represent them
  • the development of a cultural heritage and interpretive plan for a significant Larrakia site
  • NT Indigenous community members and organisations experiences with, concerns and future preferences for the Environmental Impact Assessment legislation
  • barriers for parents and carers of Indigenous primary school children to engage in schools (Invisible Parents Projects)  
Our attention for the following year will be on hosting the prestigious 9th World Indigenous Women and Wellness Conference, managing our research agenda and publishing our work.
 
Researchers from other institutions or agencies
The Larrakia Nation's Board of Directors is empowered to make decisions concerning research:
  • on Larrakia country;
  • with Larrakia people;
  • involving Larrakia Nation business, staff or programs; or
  • related to visitors on Larrakia country. 
While many applicants contact the Larrakia Nation because their research proposal has direct or obvious implications for the Larrakia, an increasing number of researchers are submitting applications out of respect to the Larrakia as the cultural authority on country.  In order to manage the demand on our  Directors, an application form has been developed to assist researchers who request the support of the Larrakia Nation to undertake research.  The Research Division has the administrative responsibility for receiving and processing your application (electronically), and will also notify you once a determination has been made.  The process usually takes a few weeks, provided the application form has been filled out properly.  
 
For more information about the Research Division, please contact Dr. Catherine Holmes on Catherine.Holmes@Larrakia.com