Building an evidence base that reflects Aboriginal knowledge systems means recognising that evidence comes in many forms - stories, relationships, lived experience, and collective wisdom held across generations. These recordings explore how Aboriginal communities, practitioners, and researchers are reshaping the way evidence is defined and used, centring Aboriginal voices and ways of knowing, being and doing.
Presented by: Heather Sandford and Rhoda Morgan
This culturally safe program supports Aboriginal mothers from pregnancy through early parenting, reducing child protection involvement and strengthening cultural identity.
Early, culturally grounded interventions build trust, empower mothers, and prevent unnecessary statutory intervention – creating safer, stronger families.
Presented by: Laura-Jane Phoenix Singh
A new kinship care model challenges Western statutory frameworks by centring Aboriginal voices and cultural practices.
Kinship care is a cultural right and a prevention strategy – requiring full funding, autonomy, and systemic reform to keep children connected to family and culture.
Presented by: Krystal Navez and Lillian Arnold-Rendell
Developed through yarning circles and governance oversight, this Aboriginal-led model reframes residential care as a healing space grounded in culture and community.
Embedding cultural identity and participatory evaluation transforms care environments into spaces of strength, belonging, and recovery.
These three presentations were followed by a Q&A session with all presenters, led by VACCA’s Kerry Brogan. We thank Kerry and her team for their time and dedication in sponsoring the OPEN Symposium 2025, and thank VACCA, BDAC and VACYPA for their time and willingness to share their work with our audience.
