A place-based pandemic response to the strengths and vulnerabilities of Aboriginal communities in south-eastern New South Wales
Funding Source: NSW Ministry of Health
Dates: 2020-2023
Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) in New South Wales (NSW) were at the forefront of addressing the health and social challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. These organisations, already managing
This project explores how urban and regional ACCOs in south-eastern NSW provided rapid and agile response to the pandemic, ensuring ongoing service delivery while overcoming challenges such as limited resources to support vulnerable Aboriginal communities, still recovering from the 2019-20 bushfires. Using a Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) approach, this Aboriginal led study investigates the components of a culturally safe, place-based pandemic response tailored to local community needs.
This study revealed that the place based ACCO sector responded early and flexibly to the COVID-19 crisis, proving their ability to continue to provide a broad range of services, that met the safety, and wellbeing needs of local Aboriginal communities. Rooted deeply in the principles of community control, ACCOs drew from their considerable experience in, local knowledge of families and communities. ACCOs seamlessly integrated crisis response into their holistic place-based service model which encompasses physical, spiritual, emotional, and social health. Factors contributing to their success were: culturally appropriate, trauma informed service delivery; in-depth community engagement; prioritising Elders and vulnerable Community members. The proactive communication from the ACCO sector filled a gap and ensured that the Aboriginal community received targeted culturally safe messages and understood ongoing public health updates. They regularly and consistently translated public health information and provided advice about cluster outbreaks, legislative changes and requirements, lockdown procedures. They provided information to support social and emotional wellbeing and changes to service delivery. ACCOs were hampered at times by poor government planning, and preparedness, and inequitable treatment of vulnerability communities. An overarching framework for a place-based-based model that enables continued service provision to Aboriginal communities in the context of crisis was developed. The place-based model of crisis response underscores the distinctive approach of ACCO’s in the South Coast of NSW in addressing the challenges posed by crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
By addressing this knowledge gap, the study contributes to creating a sustainable, de-centralised protocol for crisis management in Aboriginal communities, ensuring cultural safety and local responsiveness in times of need.
Publications/dissemination
Clapham, K., K. Senior, M. Longbottom, V. Harwood, B. Fredericks, D. Bessarab, P. Kelly, B. Haynes, F. Sheppeard and K. Wellington (2024). "Seeing Jigamy; using an arts-based method to explore the meaning of place for an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation on the South Coast of NSW." Wellbeing, Space and Society 6.
Clapham, K., K. Senior, D. Bessarab, M. Longbottom, B. Fredericks, V. Harwood, F. Sheppeard, Kaitlen Wellington, Bronte Haynes and P. Kelly (2024). "Shifting sands: Indigenous conceptions of health and place in fragile times." Health and Place 89.
Bessarab, D., K. Clapham, F. Sheppeard, B. Haynes and M. Willis (2023). Reflecting on Aboriginal Community-led solutions to complex health and social issues: Knowledge Translation Workshop. Aboriginal Health Conference. Fremantle WA, Rural Health West.