Our Work
Debakarn Koorliny Wangkiny Framework
How the Debakarn Koorliny Wangkiny Framework was Co-designed
The Debakarn Koorliny Wangkiny engagement approach forms the basis of the organisational change framework known as Minditj Kaart Moorditj Kaart (‘from a sick head to a good head’). Minditj Kaart Moorditj Kaart was developed in 2015 with Nyoongar Elders, as a key outcome of the Looking Forward Aboriginal Mental Health Project (2011 – 2015). The approach is founded on a Nyoongar worldview and has proven effective in bringing Elders, young people and service staff together as allies to create meaningful organisational change through co-design.
When both sides of the Minditj Kaart Moorditj Kaart Framework are implemented, the shared space created leads to services having increased confidence, competence and capacity to embed new ways of working through their organisation ensuring long term change in their governance and workforce. These changes lead to more effective health outcomes for Nyoongar families experiencing mental illness and drug and alcohol concerns.
Debakarn Koorliny Wangkiny focuses on developing meaningful, purposeful relationships between Elders and services. The conditions ‘hold’ relationships so that services and mainstream organisations can develop: (a) inclusivity, (b) trustworthiness, (c) reciprocity and (d) adaptability. This results in a respectful shared space where new approaches, ideas, and practices are tested and validated alongside the community.
The effectiveness of this Framework for other Aboriginal clan groups was investigated through the former Our Journey Our Story project.
Using the Debakarn Koorliny Wangkiny framework enabled services and Elders to come together to work collaboratively to improve service delivery for First Nations people.
The seven conditions that support effective engagement include:
- being motivated
- being committed
- being present
- being teachable
- staying connected
- respecting status
- continually weaving
Debakarn Koorliny Wangkiny in the Curtin School of Allied Health
The School of Allied Health has a vision to:
- Increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates
- Grow its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce
- Improve the cultural capability of non-Aboriginal graduates
- Decolonise research and learning and teaching
Experiential learning is critical and sets the foundation for staff to be able to work effectively with Elders, other Aboriginal community members and academics to ensure the School’s graduates practice with cultural humility and security.
Ultimately, we want to improve the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through professional practice across the disciplines, Social Work, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Exercise and Sports Science and Physiotherapy.