Research_

Connecting our Way

Improving the Wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children
Building confidence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and filling a gap in programs and services available to support their social and emotional wellbeing.

Project summary

Connecting Our Way (CoW) is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander -led program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged 5 to 12. It is inspired by CI Cameron's Connecting to Culture Project (C2CP), originally run on Wadjuk Noongar Country, Western Australia, which supported the wellbeing of children and their families through a program grounded in local culture.

Cow aims to build confidence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, teach emotional regulation and mindfulness through connection to culture, as well as building a positive connection with identity and cultural spirit, filling a gap in programs and services available to support the social and emotional well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Islander children aged 5-12 years. CoW is focused on creating a culturally infused sense of belonging that will enhance Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children's mental health and well-being and increase their attachment to a community to support healing against any traumas experienced, for example, bullying, disconnection from culture, lateral violence.

This program of work will collaboratively customise the CoW core program to suit cultural needs at two partner sites, implement the locally-tailored program at each site, and evaluate this process. By establishing a program that is feasible, evidence-based, locally built, CoW has the scope for broad-scale implementation, and the opportunity to enhance social and emotional well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children more widely.

Further information

  1. Local co-design of the CoW program using Indigenous methodology and Yarning methods
  2. Co-development of the CoW program for two sites
  3. Implementation of the CoW program at two sites
  4. Evaluation of the CoW using the i-PARIHS framework and developmental evaluation methods
  • Associate Professor Michelle Dickson, (Darkinjung/Ngarigo), University of Sydney
  • Ms Danielle Cameron, (Yuibera), University of Sydney
  • Emeritus Professor Valerie Judith Atkinson, (Jiman/Bundjalung), We Al-Ii Pty Ltd
  • Mrs Candace Angelo, (Yuin), University of Sydney
  • Ms Kristy Clancy, (Wakka Wakka), QATSICPP
  • Dr Vicki Saunders, (Gunggari), Central Queensland University
  • Dr Tessa Benveniste, Central Queensland University
  • Associate Professor Michelle Jack, Bond University
  • Dr Alison Laycock, University of Sydney
  • Adjunct Associate Professor Janise Mitchell, Australian Childhood Foundation 
  • Ms Sue Buratti, Australian Childhood Foundation
  • Ms Stacey Dellow, (Wiradjuri/Wonnarua), Australian Childhood Foundation 
  • Ms Deanna Kalucy, University of Sydney
  • Dr Claudia Alarcon, University of Sydney

Connect with us

For more information please contact:


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Bond University logo
Central Queensland University logos
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