Kimberley Region Research Articles

A historical study of population dynamics and polymorphism of head mask colours in the Gouldian Finch (Chloebia gouldiae) from the Northern Territory and eastern Kimberley region

ABSTRACT Gouldian Finches (Chloebia (Erythrura) gouldiae) occur across tropical Australia but numbers have varied considerably. Population sizes were estimated by the Capture–Mark–Release–Recapture method near Katherine and Pine Creek in the Northern Territory in 1966. Two to three thousand birds occurred at each locality, indicating they were abundant 60 years ago. Birds were relatively short lived. Gouldian Finches display a sex-linked genetic polymorphism in head mask colour with red mask dominant to black. Anecdotal evidence suggested that about 30% of birds in the wild have red masks. To help understand the forces that maintain this polymorphism, we recorded the number of red and black masked males and females separately. Overall 30.6% ± 3.8% of males and 22.7% ± 5.2% of females were red, with frequencies not differing significantly between Katherine and Pine Creek populations. Data collected subsequently by others from nearby and from the Kimberley area were consistent with this, suggesting a panmictic population occurs without geographic or temporal diversity. Extensive data from birds trapped in the eastern Kimberley region from 1950 to 1958 revealed divergence from Hardy-Weinberg expectations. Red females were less frequent than expected and red males more. These data included mostly juveniles in their first year. Samples limited to older birds consistently showed many fewer females overall than males. Selective loss of red females may contribute to this. If so, the polymorphism could be maintained by sexual antagonism, with selection against the red allele in adult females being balanced by its preferential transmission during breeding of red males.

Precise 40Ar/39Ar dating of multiple potassic minerals constrain the age and rapid cooling history of the Walgidee Hills lamproite pipe, Kimberley Region, Western Australia, at 17.49 Ma

Precise 40Ar/39Ar dating of multiple potassic minerals constrain the age and rapid cooling history of the Walgidee Hills lamproite pipe, Kimberley Region, Western Australia, at 17.49 Ma

Ancestral Connections: Re-Evaluating Concepts of Superimpositioning and Vandalism in Rock Art Studies

Abstract The aim of this article is to comprehend the significance of superimpositions as social practices and processes and to deconstruct how notions of superimpositions and vandalism have been used in rock art studies. Although attempts in the past have been made to determine why certain motifs were intentionally placed on top of other images, superimposition and vandalism/iconoclasm are often – and unhelpfully – used interchangeably in rock art literature. Interpretations have mostly lingered on the negative connotations of superimpositions, such as the “defacement” of previous motifs. Here, we argue that uncritically categorising certain practices as vandalism – often from the perspective of a Western knowledge system – has a negative influence on interpretations of traditional art systems. Instead, by recognising the active role that past depictions played – and, in some places, continue to play – within contemporary Indigenous communities, we hope to clarify and expand conceptualisations of superimpositions in rock art research. Our case study focusses on superimpositioning in the Kimberley region of Australia.

A Park Management Perspective for Co-designing a Visitor Monitoring Plan in Remote Marine Protected Areas: A Case Study of Lalang-gaddam Marine Park, Western Australia

Globally, coastal and marine protected areas have seen significant increases in visitation. Visitors are able to access marine protected areas from multiple ingress points, making monitoring difficult. Yet managers need to establish techniques to monitor visitor use and identify change over time to ensure sustainable management for their protected areas. Lalang-gaddam Marine Park in the Kimberley region, Western Australia, has experienced increased visitation as the Kimberley’s reputation as a premier nature-based tourism destination with vibrant Aboriginal culture grows. To better understand and manage the growth in visitors, park management identified the need for a marine Visitor Monitoring Plan. To facilitate the development of the Plan, a desktop literature review was conducted to identify the suite of methods available that might assist monitoring visitors in marine protected areas with consideration to their applicability in the Australian marine context. The methods were then workshopped to design and implement the Visitor Monitoring Plan for Lalang-gaddam Marine Park as rapid growth in tourism has resulted in concern by government managing agencies, joint management Traditional Owners, commercial tourism operators, and the community. The aim of this article is twofold: to assist marine protected area managers in identifying pertinent methods and to codesign and assess the first Visitor Monitoring Plan in a joint management context in the Kimberley.

Oombarl Oombarl Joorrinygor-Slowly Slowly Moving Forward: Reflections From a Cross-Cultural Team Working Together on the See, Treat, Prevent (SToP) Trial in the Kimberley Region of Western Australia.

Reflexivity is crucial for researchers and health professionals working within Aboriginal health. Reflexivity provides a tool for non-Aboriginal researchers to contribute to the broader intention of reframing historical academic positivist paradigms into Indigenous research methodologies (IRM) to privilege Aboriginal voices in knowledge construction and decision-making. This practice requires researchers to transition from safe and familiar research environments into unfamiliar and uncomfortable spaces. This uncomfortable space is often referred to as the 'third space'-the 'in-between' space that can be turbulent and difficult to navigate. However, it is also a productive space where new collaborations are created, and ideas can emerge. This manuscript provides reflections from a cross-cultural team working on a transdisciplinary healthy skin program-the See, Treat, Prevent (SToP) Trial in Aboriginal communities in the Kimberley region of Western Australia (WA). Cultural mentors guided our team to work in an Oombarl Oombarl (steady steady) way to navigate the cultural interface between familiar biomedical elements and unknown health promotion activities. Our third space was the intangible space in-between the S, T and P of the SToP Trial. Narratives were collected through semi-structured interviews and yarning sessions. All participants provided written consent for audio recording; in one instance, consent was provided to record graphically. A thematic analysis aligning with the question guide was conducted. Reflections include team members' experiences of learning the Oombarl Oombarl way, individually and collectively. Initially, most team members revealed it was challenging to work in an Oombarl Oombarl way, having to move out of the safe, familiar research environment into the unknown community-led health promotion space. This in-between space became our third space-the uncomfortable space where we relinquished 'control' of research agendas and learnt to work to the rhythm of Aboriginal communities in WA's Kimberley region. Reflexivity is necessary when working in a cross-cultural context. In Aboriginal homeland communities situated in remote settings, researchers benefit from being 'on the ground' to enable trust and genuine relationships to be developed. Visits on Country provide a rich experiential learning experience and a space for story sharing and yarning. Cultural guidance and two-way learning partnerships with cultural mentors assist non-Aboriginal researchers in understanding and adhering to cultural protocols and community processes. Allowing sufficient time to build relationships and flexible timelines are important considerations when developing research grants and protocols. SO WHAT?: Our findings demonstrate the importance of building genuine relationships and yarning on Country with Aboriginal communities to build health promotion knowledge together. Making meaning of health literacy can only evolve through two-way learning partnerships where Aboriginal people guide the process. Our research reveals a novel approach to developing meaningful health promotion initiatives and resources on Country that centralise local Aboriginal language, artwork and community context.

Systematics of the Little Red Tree Frog, Litoria rubella (Anura: Pelodryadidae), with the description of two new species from eastern Australia and arid Western Australia.

The Litoria rubella species complex (L. capitula and L. rubella) is distributed across much of continental Australia, southern New Guinea, and the Tanimbar Islands of Indonesia, in habitats ranging from deserts to tropical forests. We carried out an appraisal of molecular genetics, advertisement calls, and morphological variation in the species complex. Analyses of thousands of nuclear gene SNPs and nucleotide sequences from the mitochondrial ND4 gene identified four reciprocally monophyletic lineages in both marker types, two exclusively in Australia, one in Australia/New Guinea and one from the Tanimbar Islands. The advertisement calls of the three lineages on continental Australia have overlapping but significant differences in the number of pulses in the notes, dominant frequency, and call duration, particularly where the lineages come into contact. The Tanimbar Islands lineage is genetically and morphologically distinct and represents L. capitula. Molecular and advertisement call data together support the recognition of three species in Australia: a widespread central arid and northern tropics lineage, a western arid zone lineage, and an eastern mesic lineage. Litoria rubella sensu stricto is widespread across the tropical Kimberley and Top End regions, southern New Guinea, the central arid zone, and the Murray Darling Basin, making it an extreme climate-generalist. SNP data indicates that L. rubella has gene flow to the north of the Lake Eyre Basin but not the south, making it a possible ring species. The western arid zone lineage does not differ in appearance or advertisement call from L. rubella but is geographically disjunct and phylogenetically distinct. The eastern lineage is primarily distributed to the east of the Great Dividing Range and Cape York in Queensland. We redescribe L. rubella sensu stricto, describe the eastern lineage and western arid lineage as new species, L. pyrina sp. nov. and L. larisonans sp. nov. respectively. Although L. rubella and L. larisonans sp. nov. are morphologically similar, they do not overlap in distribution, making identification non-problematic. Litoria pyrina sp. nov. can be distinguished from L. rubella at contact zones by having advertisement calls with a higher dominant frequency. We investigated the history and morphology of the type for L. mystacina and designate it a nomen dubium. The three Australian species are likely to have a conservation status of Least Concern as they are widespread and abundant, with no significant threats. Little is known about L. capitula from the Tanimbar Islands outside of the few existing museum specimens.

Evaluation of a pelvic health physiotherapy service in remote Australia

Pelvic health physiotherapy care is considered best practice for managing many pelvic health conditions. However, access to pelvic health physiotherapy varies greatly, and may be lacking in rural and remote areas of Australia. This study reports an evaluation of a new pelvic health physiotherapy service model in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, undertaken from July–December 2021. The objective of this evaluation was to document patient and service outcomes, consumer satisfaction and key stakeholder feedback, to guide ongoing need and development of such a service. A total of 113 referrals were managed by the new service, resulting in over 199 appointments and involving 77 patients. Many of the 60 patients who attended their booked appointments had significant symptoms and most (76.7%) had experienced symptoms for more than one year. Consumer feedback was positive, and all key stakeholders reported it was either moderately, very, or extremely important that the new service continue. This evaluation demonstrated a clear need and support for pelvic health physiotherapy services in the region, and documented a successful model of care, working alongside the existing generalist physiotherapy model. Future priorities are to implement culturally-informed models of pelvic health care to improve access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with pelvic health conditions, and to examine other service models that improve access to pelvic health physiotherapy in under-served regions.

The Diamond-Poor Nature of Corundum-Bearing Eclogite and Karoo-Type Overprint of Deep Eclogite Sources Beneath the Kimberley Region (Kaapvaal Craton)

Abstract Decades of studies have shown that the petrogenesis of kimberlite-borne cratonic eclogite and pyroxenite xenoliths reflects the endemics of their crustal protoliths and local lithosphere evolution. Detailed investigations of the origin and metasomatic history of individual eclogite xenolith suites are thus required to understand how cratonic eclogite reservoirs—and their diamond inventory—evolve in the regional tectonomagmatic context. Here, we investigate a little-studied eclogite and pyroxenite xenolith suite from the Balmoral kimberlite in the Kimberley area of the Kaapvaal craton, which, like eclogite suites in neighbouring kimberlites, likely originated as subducted Archaean oceanic crust. Detailed petrographic observations and mineral major- and trace-element analyses, combined with published data for eclogite xenoliths and eclogitic inclusions in diamond, show that this sample suite records at least two distinct episodes of metasomatic overprint: (1) Metasomatism by a kimberlite-like melt caused a decrease in clinopyroxene jadeite component and garnet grossular component and imparted high MgO and Cr2O3 contents, recorded dominantly by pyroxenite xenoliths. Comparison to Kaapvaal kimberlites and lamproites confirms that the geochemical trends cannot be reconciled with bulk kimberlite-eclogite mixing but require formation of diopside-rich clinopyroxene from the melt instead. This metasomatic style is recognised world-wide, and at Balmoral is notably restricted to the shallow lithosphere (150–200 km). (2) A distinct metasomatic event generated eclogites with extreme Y-HREE enrichment, at Balmoral restricted to the deep lithosphere (200–260 km). We propose that this enrichment style reflects garnet breakdown, with the liberation of these garnet-compatible elements to the metasomatic melt. This signature is identified in eclogite xenoliths both from early Cretaceous lamproite (Bellsbank) and late Cretaceous kimberlite (Balmoral, Kimberley) localities, tentatively ascribed to interaction with melts forming the Karoo large igneous province. Balmoral corundum-bearing eclogites derive from depths overlapping high-Ca eclogites showing a Karoo-type overprint, which significantly diluted the Al2O3 content in the bulk rock and increased silica activity as gauged by the decrease in Al[IV] in clinopyroxene, thereby destabilising corundum. Craton-wide, preserved corundum-bearing eclogites record diamond-stable ƒO2 and pressure conditions, yet show little compositional overlap with inclusions in eclogitic diamond. This may reflect the low propensity of COH fluids to reach carbon saturation in this lithology. The preserved corundum-bearing eclogites have reconstructed bulk major-element compositions, which, combined with small to absent Eu anomalies, suggest protoliths representing deep oceanic crustal (>0.5 GPa) cumulates of two pyroxenes plus only minor plagioclase that contained a significant melt component. The identification of such deep hybridised crustal rocks may reflect higher mantle potential temperatures and the formation of thicker oceanic crust in the Archaean.

A record of monsoon rainforest variability from the Kimberley region in northwestern Australia

ABSTRACTNorthern Australia experiences extreme seasonality via the Indo‐Australian summer monsoon, with high inter‐annual variability in hydroclimate. Understanding the influence of hydrological variability on the landscape through the period of human occupation provides important environmental context to support the interpretation of the rich archaeological and rock art records of the region. The development of terrestrial records of environmental change has remained challenging due to the limited traditional palaeoenvironmental archives in the region. This study reports on the potential of sediments from ecologically significant monsoon rainforest patches to further elucidate the palaeoenvironmental history of the Kimberley. An ~19 000‐year record of monsoon rainforest variability is presented, inferred from pollen, charcoal and major element geochemical analysis. Monsoon rainforest‐associated taxa vary in abundance through the deglacial and the Holocene, which is compared to broad‐scale hydroclimate variability inferred from previous studies in the region. The persistence of arboreal, riparian and monsoon rainforest‐associated taxa suggest a positive moisture balance at the site throughout the period archived. Fire activity inferred from micro‐ and macrocharcoal is greatest over the last ~6000 years, and broadly corresponds to periods when monsoon rainforest‐associated taxa are less abundant. Challenges remain in using this type of site as an archive of environmental change, but they also present an opportunity to extend previous records both spatially and temporally with thousands of monsoon rainforest patches present across the Kimberley, and similar ecosystems found across northern Australia.

Two new species of the mygalomorph spider genus Kwonkan (Mygalomorphae: Anamidae) from the Kimberley region of Western Australia

Two new species of the mygalomorph spider genus Kwonkan (Mygalomorphae: Anamidae) from the Kimberley region of Western Australia

Protocol to implement and evaluate a culturally secure, strength-based, equine-assisted learning program, "Yawardani Jan-ga" (horses helping), to support the social and emotional wellbeing of Australian aboriginal children and young people.

Australian Aboriginal people experience stressors from inequalities across crucial social determinants, including deep and entrenched disadvantage and exclusion. The impact of unaddressed historical issues is pervasive and intergenerational. The disproportionate rates of Aboriginal youth suicide, juvenile detention and imprisonment highlight the inadequacy of existing social and emotional wellbeing programs and services for Aboriginal children and young people. There is increasing recognition in Australia that aligning social and emotional wellbeing interventions with Western values and conceptions of mental health is one of the main barriers to service uptake among Aboriginal people. This suggests fundamental questions remain unanswered about what type of services effectively address the complex constellation of social-emotional and wellbeing challenges arising from intergenerational poverty and trauma. Yawardani Jan-ga is an Aboriginal-led, operated, culturally secure, Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) project designed by and with local Aboriginal young people, community Elders, members, and experts to address the complex constellation of social-emotional, spiritual and wellbeing needs of Aboriginal children and young people, aged 6-26 years, across multiple communities in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. EAL is a strengths-based learning approach where participants work with horses' inherent characteristics to learn transferable life skills, such as communication skills, self-awareness, and emotional regulation, to promote social and emotional growth and wellbeing. Although EAL has been previously used with Aboriginal children and young people internationally, they are yet to be widely used with Aboriginal people in Australia. Here, we describe the three subcomponents of the Yawardani Jan-ga implementation science project and the planned Participatory Action Research and phenomenological approaches to capture the distinctive experiences of participants and the local communities where the intervention is implemented. We anticipate that findings will build an evidence base that informs policy and practice by understanding key intervention elements of social and emotional wellbeing support for Aboriginal youth, how to incorporate Aboriginal worldviews across different stages of interventions, and how to capture impact best using culturally secure methods.

Will they come back? Evaluation of health student placements in remote and very remote regions of Australia

BackgroundDespite the benefits of rural placements in attracting healthcare professionals to rural areas, there remains a gap in understanding the specific impact of placements in remote and very remote areas of Australia, particularly within the unique context of the Kimberley region. There is a need to elucidate differences across geographical areas and contribute to the knowledge about the specifics of where and how student placement programs work. This research explored the impact of a remote placement program at Majarlin Kimberley Centre for Remote Health (‘Majarlin’) on educational outcomes and workforce intentions of participating students.MethodsThis research evaluated student placement data and post-placement surveys of allied health, dentistry, midwifery and nursing students who had completed remote placements in the Kimberley region between 2018 and 2024. Placement numbers and demographic data from 2018 to 2023 were descriptively analysed, while post-placement surveys collected between January 2023 and June 2024 were used to examine educational outcomes, placement satisfaction, and rural practice intention.ResultsBetween 2018 and 2023, Majarlin hosted 1111 students from 20 universities in remote and very remote regions, completing a total of 6068 weeks from 2018 to 2023. Post-placement surveys showed high levels of student satisfaction, with 96.2% also reporting improved clinical knowledge. Many students participated in voluntary positions in the community while completing their clinical placements, with 97.1% feeling that they had a positive impact on the community. All students reported that their cultural awareness and ability to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples improved. Notably, intention to work in remote areas significantly increased post-placement (p < .001).ConclusionsThe results of this study demonstrated that the remote student placement program improved students’ self-rated clinical knowledge, cultural awareness, and community engagement skills. The program significantly influenced students’ intention to work in remote areas after graduation. These results can be used to inform the design and delivery of similar remote student placement programs which aim to improve the rural health workforce pipeline, paving the way for a more equitable and effective healthcare system across Australia.

Reasserting Gija women's role in mine site reclamation: A perspective from the Argyle Diamond Mine

The Argyle diamond mine, in the East Kimberley region of Western Australia, ceased production in late 2020 after 37 years of operations and producing 865 million carats of rough diamonds. Opening in 1983, it was the first major diamond-mining operation in Australia and brought with it a very mixed history of Traditional Owner engagement with the Company (Rio Tinto). Closure now offers an opportunity to reassert cultural authority and reclaim Traditional Owners', and specifically, women's rightful place in decision-making. But the path to get there is complex. From the perspective of Kia Dowell, a community leader and Chair of Gelganyem Limited (an Aboriginal charitable trust), and supported by her mother Ethel McLennon, this article will trace the legacies of structural injustice as this mine was developed, which includes the two negotiated agreements and state government mining regulations, all of which actively marginalize Traditional Owner rights and interests. Likewise, during the initial and subsequent agreement negotiations women's customary interests were sidelined in favor of a western governance system, which privileges the male dominated view and voice. This is despite the fact that the site of the open pit mine was known to be an important women's site for the Gija people and was subsequently destroyed. Telling this story provides not only a chance to reflect on the past, but to also stake a locally self-determined agenda in order to reclaim Aboriginal governance structures and redefine how Traditional Owners are choosing to engage with Rio Tinto (the Company) and the Western Australian State government.

First detection of Culex tritaeniorhynchus in Western Australia using molecular diagnostics and morphological identification

BackgroundCulex tritaeniorhynchus has long been considered the primary vector of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), but until recently, it was considered exotic to Australia. When the species was detected in the country’s Northern Territory (NT) for the first time, the Western Australia (WA) Department of Health was cognisant of the risk it posed to the State because of the shared border and continuous mosquito habitat adjoining the two jurisdictions. The aim of this study was to undertake intensive mosquito surveillance in the Kimberley region to ascertain whether Cx. tritaeniorhynchus was present in WA, define the extent of its distribution and undertake phylogenetic analysis of select specimens to support hypothesized routes of entry into the state.MethodsCarbon dioxide (CO2)-baited encephalitis virus surveillance (EVS) mosquito traps were deployed at various sites throughout the Kimberley region by surveillance officers within the Medical Entomology unit of the Western Australia (WA) Department of Health. Mosquitoes were then morphologically identified, and a subset of four specimens were confirmed as Cx. tritaeniorhynchus by molecular identification using Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) DNA data and phylogenetic analysis.ResultsFrom 31 March 2021 to 30 May 2024, a total of 211 female Cx. tritaeniorhynchus specimens were collected from 21 unique trap sites in the Kimberley’s Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley (SWEK). Four COI DNA barcode regions were amplified and successfully sequenced for analysis. These sequences fell within a clade recognised as Cx. tritaeniorhynchus and specifically all sequences were in a clade with other specimens from the NT and Timor-Leste.ConclusionsThis study represents the first detection of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in WA. Given the widespread nature of trap sites that yielded the species and consecutive seasons over which it was observed, the authors surmise that Cx. tritaeniorhynchus is now established within the northeast Kimberley region. The findings are significant given the detection of the species coincides with the first significant outbreak of JEV activity on mainland Australia involving an estimated 45 human cases of Japanese encephalitis, 80 impacted commercial piggeries and widespread feral pig activity. Although the role that Cx. tritaeniorhynchus may play in JEV transmission into the future is not yet understood, it presents a potential risk to public health in the region.Graphical abstract

Intrinsic capacity and ageing well for Aboriginal people in remote Western Australia: a longitudinal cohort study.

To assess intrinsic capacity, an important component of ageing well, in older Aboriginal people living in remote Western Australia. Longitudinal cohort study; secondary analysis of survey and clinical assessment data. Kimberley region of Western Australia (six remote communities, and the town of Derby). Aboriginal people aged 45 years or older, initially recruited 15 July 2004 - 17 November 2006. Intrinsic capacity (assessed in each participant by questionnaire and review by a consultant specialist), overall and by domain, and presence of core activity limitations, at baseline and follow-up (8 February 2011 - 6 June 2013); risk of death by follow-up; preservation of intrinsic capacity at follow-up. The mean age of the 345 participants at baseline was 60.2 years (standard deviation [SD], 11.6 years; range, 45-96 years); 152 were men (44.1%) and 193 were women (55.9%). Intrinsic capacity was unimpaired in all five domains for 55 participants (15.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 12.4-20.2%). Capacity in the vitality domain was unimpaired in 325 respondents (94.2%), in the psychological/mood domain in 318 (92.2%), and in the cognition domain in 289 people (83.8%); the locomotion domain was unimpaired in 174 people (50.4%), and the sensory domain in 117 people (33.9%). The proportion of men with full capacity in all five domains (32 of 152, 21.1%) was larger than for women (23 of 193, 11.9%). Of the 274 people included in follow-up analyses, intrinsic capacity was lower than at baseline for 66 people (24.1%), it was unchanged or improved in 111 participants (40.5%; 95% CI, 34.8-46.5%), and 97 people had died (35.4%). Thirty-seven of the 177 surviving participants for whom complete data were available had full capacity in all domains (20.9%; 95% CI, 15.5-27.6%). After adjustment for age, the number of unimpaired intrinsic capacity domains at baseline was inversely associated with having a core activity limitation at baseline (per domain: adjusted prevalence ratio, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.34-0.55) and follow-up (adjusted risk ratio, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.44-0.88), and with risk of death by follow-up (adjusted risk ratio, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.71-0.96). Impaired intrinsic capacity in older Aboriginal people living in the Kimberley was most frequent in the sensory and locomotion domains. Reduced capacity in these domains could be highly amenable to treatment that would ensure that Elders can continue to take part in activities important for quality of life.

Meeting the Needs of Students and the Needs of a System

First Nation students’ attendance, retention and engagement in remote schools has been a concern for educators and successive governments. In many communities, students are encouraged to complete secondary education at boarding school because of seemingly limited educational opportunities in their local communities. The School of Isolated and Distance Education’s (SIDE’s) vision is to provide learning opportunities for Western Australian students regardless of their circumstances through high quality, inclusive and culturally responsive programs. Vision statements are aspirational and need to be backed with strategies for implementation. One such strategy implemented by SIDE in 2024 was the establishment of a Regional Teaching Team (RTT). The RTT was established to meet the unique needs of students in the Northern Goldfields and Kimberley regions of Western Australia. These regions have a high representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Providing programs and pathways to meet the needs of Aboriginal students in remote contexts in Western Australia is not possible without a deep understanding of the context and culture of the local communities, schools and the students within them. SIDE’s RTT is committed to working with local communities to deliver co-designed culturally responsive education. It is not an easy task, and it will take time to build relationships and trust with local communities to deliver such an outcome. Whilst there is support in principle from Government agencies, disconnect still exists between policy and practice in the context of Aboriginal education in schools (Burgess, Cathie, &amp; Lowe, 2022). The RTT aims to work with Aboriginal communities to provide them with the opportunities to communicate their goals and desires for the education of their children. Traditional measures based on attendance, completion of written tasks and grades perpetuate failure and do not inspire success or engagement.

Aboriginal flood narratives and the thunder complex in Southeast Asia

AbstractThe ancestors of the dingo were brought to mainland Australia around 4000 years ago by people who arrived by boat. The identity of these voyagers from the north, however, and the nature of their interactions with the Aboriginal population of Australia, are unknown. Here, we propose that Indigenous flood narratives from the Kimberley contain evidence for contact between Aboriginal people and early Asian seafarers in the form of the “thunder complex”. The latter is a very specific repertoire of taboos, rituals and stories that occurs widely among ethnographically known societies of Indonesia, the Philippines and peninsular Malaysia, but has not previously been identified in Australia. Among Southeast Asian groups, this cultural complex revolves around the idea that certain prohibited acts perpetrated against animals – especially “mocking” them by treating them as though they were human – precipitate a punitive storm and/or flooding. We show that in some oral traditions of the Kimberley region animal mockery is similarly held to be the causative agent behind disastrous flooding events that took place in the past creationary epoch. We contend that this localised Aboriginal variant of the thunder complex reflects an episode of close interaction with early Austronesian‐speaking voyagers who introduced ancestral dingoes to mainland Australia, apparently via the Kimberley coast.

Distribution and Seasonality of the Omura's Whale (Balaenoptera omurai) in Australia Based on Passive Acoustic Recordings.

The Omura's whale (Balaenoptera omurai) is one of the most recently described species of baleen whale. Initially known only from stranding and whaling specimens, it has now been identified in all ocean basins excluding the central and eastern Pacific. Unlike most baleen whales that migrate between the poles and the equator seasonally, the Omura's whale is known to inhabit tropical to sub-tropical waters year-round. In Australian waters, there remain fewer than 30 confirmed visual sightings over the past decade. However, based on acoustic records, the Omura's whale has been detected off areas of the northwest coast of Australia year-round. This study utilises passive acoustic recordings from 41 locations around Australia from 2005 to 2023 to assess the distribution and seasonality of the Omura's whale. The seasonal presence of Omura's whale vocalisations varied by location, with higher presence at lower latitudes. Vocalisations were detected year-round in the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf in the Timor Sea, and near Browse Island and Scott Reef, in the Kimberley region. In the Pilbara region, acoustic presence mostly peaked from February to April and no acoustic presence was consistently observed from July to September across all sites. The most southerly occurrence of Omura's whale vocalisations was recorded off the North West Cape in the Gascoyne region. Vocalisations similar but not identical to those of the Omura's whale were detected in the Great Barrier Reef. The identified seasonal distribution provides valuable information to assess environmental and anthropogenic pressures on the Omura's whale and to aid in creating management and conservation policies for the species in Australia.

Multi-methods process evaluation of the SToP (See, Treat, Prevent) trial: a cluster randomised, stepped wedge trial to support healthy skin

Multi-methods process evaluation of the SToP (See, Treat, Prevent) trial: a cluster randomised, stepped wedge trial to support healthy skin

First Law a gift to healing and transforming climate and just us!

PurposeThese words of introduction locate me on my tribal ancestral lands, and centres me as belonging to the Martuwarra, Fitzroy River in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. My family and community’s inter-generational lived experiences of colonisation are grounded in the characteristics and learnings of “conflict, manipulation, dived and rule” as invasive unjust strategies of oppression and anti-dialogic action. These characteristics of oppression reflect invasive and unjust developments, colonialism continues to impact on our daily lives and threaten our cultural heritage, lifeways and livelihoods (Freire, 2005).Design/methodology/approachI understand the Net Zero: Heritage for Climate Action is a first of its kind, a capacity development project that aims to use Indigenous knowledge to develop integrated strategies for disaster risk reduction, climate action and peacebuilding (Jarillo and Crivelli, 2024). Importantly, one of the aims of the Net Zero Project is to enhance risk reduction and coping capacities of vulnerable heritage communities. In this way, my video story speaking directly to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) highlights the interconnected issue of heritage safeguard, upholding cultural rights and sustainable development of our people who are vulnerable cultural bearers, importantly, how we are working to effect change locally, while strengthening efforts globally, as we see ourselves as planetary citizens with a duty of care to Mother Earth and humanity (Redvers et al., 2020).FindingsThe opportunity for freedom is being created through the growing coalitions of hope (Poelina, 2020). Organisations with a regenerative focus are connecting, networking, collectively thinking and transforming our world by being brave and challenging legal systems to recognise “rivers” as the lifeblood of our planet and our survival co-dependent on “a declaration of peace with Indigenous Australians with natures laws and first law” (RiverOfLife et al., 2024). Together we are decolonising our thinking; uniting and bringing together a pluriverse of ideas and actions to right size our planet and give humanity and Mother Earth a climate chance (RiverOfLife et al., 2024).Research limitations/implicationsThe final question, I ask my country and the world to sustain my culture, my home, my lifeways and my livelihood “can we achieve peace, harmony and balance”? Can we shift from business as usual, to the new economies, through intentional communities, through bicultural and bioregional planning and development? If the answer is yes, then there is hope for humanity, and the young ones yet to be born. Let us adopt the values, ethics and virtues found in First Law as a gift to healing our lands, our people and climate.Practical implicationsIt is clear from the voices of Yi-Martuwarra people, “If [our] River Dies, We Die” (Moore et al., 2023). When we stand united, we hold the dreaming time, from past, present and future, and we sing together a new “Martuwarra River Time” song. Through this moral and ethical partnership of hope the Net Zero Project Heritage for Climate Action ignites the opportunity to transform climate change, climate chaos and provide the climate chance through just us!Social implicationsYi-Martuwarra people highlight the need for dialogue, unity, cooperation and multiple forms of evidence, to understand the cumulative impacts of development. It is clear from the voices of Yi-Martuwarra people, “If [our] River Dies, We Die” (Moore et al., 2023). When we stand united, we hold the dreaming time, from past, present, and future, and we sing together a new “Martuwarra River Time” song. Through this moral and ethical partnership of hope the Net Zero Project Heritage for Climate Action ignites the opportunity to transform climate change, climate chaos and provide the climate chance through just us!Originality/valueAs the impacts of climate change continue to intensify, it is imperative to centre Indigenous well-being in adaptation efforts by enabling bottom-up approaches via community-led solutions, promoting land rights, protecting traditional heritage and cultural practices and cultivating social connections. Given the increasing recognition of well-being as a fundamental marker of successful adaptation, it should be central to climate change research and policymaking, but for this to be of benefit to Indigenous Peoples and local communities context-specific understandings of health and well-being are necessary (Jarillo and Crivelli, 2024).