What does research look like when Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations lead the way?
Help shape the future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research in Victoria.
Ensuring the future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research reflects what matters to Mob
Research helps us answer important questions – and guides good decision-making. But for too long, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research in Victoria hasn’t truly reflected the aspirations and needs of Community. Now it’s time to put Aboriginal research in Aboriginal hands.
The first step? Understanding how Communities feel about research – if they want it, what they want, and what must happen to make it possible and culturally safe.
That’s why we launched the Community-Led Research Priorities Project. To listen to Mobs’ and ACCOs’ stories about research. The good, the bad, the hopeful. We’re not here to drop a finished plan – we’re here to listen to you.
With your help we will:
- Set clear research priorities, barriers and aspirations led by ACCOs and Community
- Build a network of Community-based researchers
- Create better funding pathways for self-determined research
What kind of research are we talking about?
Indigenous research comes in many shapes and forms, but its broad aim is always the same: to contribute to the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities. For Mob, that might mean researching areas like:
- Health and wellbeing
- Land and water
- Native Title and traditional ownership
- Languages and cultural expression
- Education and cultural transmission
- Governance development and public policy
Whatever you’re interested in, self-determined research can help dig deeper and find answers.
Meet your lead researcher
Bronte Haynes is a proud Wiradjuri and Muruwari woman from Western New South Wales and an emerging researcher whose work focuses on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing.
Bronte’s approach is strengths-based and Indigenous-led, ensuring that research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is meaningful, respectful and directly benefits Community.
Across her career, Bronte has helped implement an exercise falls prevention program for Aboriginal Elders, developed place-based models for Community-led solutions during crises, and conducted research on Aboriginal connections to water to improve cultural safety in injury prevention efforts.
She has collaborated with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), research institutions and Local Health Districts (LHDs) to design, implement and evaluate programs that enhance social and emotional wellbeing, cultural identity and health outcomes.
Bronte is passionate about translating research into action, ensuring that findings inform policy, service delivery and future initiatives in culturally safe and sustainable ways.
Got thoughts on research? Your voice matters
This project will help shape the future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research in Victoria. But we can’t do it without you.
Here’s who we’d love to hear from:
ACCO decision makers
Whether you’re a CEO, Board member, manager or respected knowledge holder at your ACCO, your experience can shape how research happens in the future.
By sharing your story, you’re taking control and helping build a research economy that truly reflects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Community members interested in research
Are you an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person who wants to improve outcomes for your Community?
We want to hear your thoughts about research – whether you’re keen to do it, have had enough of it, or are just curious about how it might work at your ACCO.
Ways to get involved
You can contribute to this project in a way that suits you best.
All your responses are confidential. And we’re committed to providing a culturally safe space where your voice is heard and valued.
Check out your options below.
Got 5 minutes? Tell us about your research experience and priorities in our short online survey.
Prefer to have a yarn? Chat with our Strategic Project Lead online, on the phone, or in person at a time that suits you.
Keen to start workshopping your research priorities? Register your interest to attend our Naarm workshop.
Know someone who’s curious about research – or got plenty of ideas? Share this project with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about this project? Find answers here.
What is the Community-Led Research Priorities project?
The Community-led Research Priorities Project aims to identify and address research priorities in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The project has six stages:
- Strengthen relationships with ACCOs and Community interested in research
- Gather Mob’s thoughts and insights about research online
- Visit ACCOs to discuss local research priorities
- Help Communities define their own research priorities in an On Country workshop in Naarm
- Build ACCOs’ capacity to lead and conduct research via online training
- Share our findings with Community and get feedback
VACCHO recognises this project is about strengthening self-determination. It’s about making sure Aboriginal research is Aboriginal-led, centred on ACCOs’ and Communities’ voices. When you share your story, you’re helping ensure Aboriginal communities define and conduct the research that impacts us.
What is research, and why is it important?
Research is the creation of new knowledge or using existing knowledge in fresh and imaginative ways to create new ideas, things or understandings.
All research starts with a question. Like, ‘how might we safely archive our cultural knowledge?’ or ‘what’s the best way to revitalise our language in Community?’. Research is the process of answering that question – systematically, ethically and robustly.
Research can happen in any area. For instance, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing research can help deepen our understanding of Mob’s strength and resilience.
Whatever you’re curious about, research can help find the answers and improve the wellbeing of Community.
How does the project engage with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs)?
VACCHO works closely with ACCOs to ensure the project is co-designed and reflects Communities’ needs. by conducting interviews and workshops, collaborative data collection, and ensuring ACCOs have opportunities to validate decision-making and project outcomes.
How is the project culturally safe?
Cultural safety is a core value of the project. Led by Aboriginal researchers, the project is informed by Indigenous research methodologies across every stage.
Throughout the project, we will ensure a culturally safe environment for participants during the research process and findings dissemination.
How can Community benefit from research?
Research that impacts Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities must reflect our values, priorities and perspectives. But for too long, Mob weren’t leaders in research about us.
Now the tide is turning. high-quality research on topics that matter to us. So that we can deepen our understandings, develop strengths-based solutions, and ensure our Communities thrive – now and into the future.
How is data collected and managed in the project?
Your data sovereignty and privacy are our priority. Any information you share with us is stored securely on a password protected server. All findings are aggregated, meaning you’ll never be personally identified. Data is used strictly for the purposes outlined in this study – any future, secondary use will require additional ethical review and Community consent.
How can I get involved in the project?
Deadly you asked! If you’re an ACCO leader, a Community member, or someone curious about research, we’d love to hear from you.
Simply fill in this Microsoft Form with your contact details – it’ll only take 5 minutes.
What are the next steps for the project?
We are currently strengthening relationships with ACCOs and gathering data to ensure future Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research is culturally safe and reflects what matters most to Mob in Victoria. We will continue engaging with ACCOs, Community members and stakeholders to discover, draft and share our findings.
Who funds this project?
This study is funded by the Victorian Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions.
Who can I contact for more information?
For more details, please reach out to proud Wiradjuri and Muruwari woman and Strategic Project Lead, Bronte Haynes at research@vaccho.org.au
Ready to shape the future of Community research?
Share your research priorities, book a yarn, register to attend our On Country workshop - or just drop us a line.