Martuwarra: Living Water Heritage of the Kimberley

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Co-Led by Associate Professor Sven Ouzman and Professor Anne Poelina from the Martuwarra Fitzroy River Council, a team of researchers from The University of Western Australia and elsewhere have worked closely with Kimberley communities to produce a comprehensive overview of the Kimberley and Martuwarra River under three main categories identified by Traditional Owners: Culture, Country and Truth. It has for the first time collaboratively recorded the rich history and cultural significance of archaeological sites in the region and its people and has produced the first extensive, systematic and holistic survey and digital mapping of the cultural heritage of the seven language groups living along Martuwarra.

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Breaking boundaries in trans mental health

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Risks in mental health can be influenced by gender and age and can shape a person’s experience when accessing health care services.

The Trans Pathways study shows that trans young people have higher rates of poor mental health and problems accessing care services than their cisgender peers. It has brought to the forefront the importance of care in this population and has become a valuable resource in raising awareness of some of the problems that trans young people face, promote equity in care services, and in supporting the development of initiatives to improve the mental health of trans and gender diverse young people. The impact of Trans Pathways has been felt locally, nationally, and internationally and continues to be cited as evidence in health policy and strategy.

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Aboriginal English: It’s all in the yarning

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Australian Aboriginal English is an indigenised variety of English that is spoken by approximately 80% of First Nations people in Australia. It is the first and only language for many Aboriginal children and is often incorrectly described as ‘broken English’.

An important feature of this oral language is yarning, or storytelling. Yarning is highly dramatic, using facial expression, variation in tone and volume, and gestures and body language. Aboriginal English yarning makes it possible to communicate experiences and knowledge unique to First Nations people in Australia.

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