Roz Walker | The University of Western Australia (original) (raw)

Papers by Roz Walker

Research paper thumbnail of Involving Young People in Research in Hedland - From ideas to action: a praxis model

This chapter describes our experiences working with young people in Hedland in the Pilbara Wester... more This chapter describes our experiences working with young people in Hedland in the Pilbara Western Australia using PAR to empower and transform their lives and to make a more socially just and culturally responsive and caring community.

Research paper thumbnail of Transformative Strategies in Indigenous Education: A Study in Decolonisation and Positive Social Change

This thesis is located within the social and political context of Indigenous education within Aus... more This thesis is located within the social and political context of Indigenous education within Australia. Indigenous people continue to experience unacceptable levels of disadvantage and social marginalisation. The struggle for indigenous students individually and collectively lies in being able to determine a direction which is productive and non-assimilationist – which offers possibilities of social and economic transformation, equal opportunities and cultural integrity and self-determination. The challenge for teachers within the constraints of the academy is to develop strategies that are genuinely transformative, empowering and contribute to decolonisation and positive social change. This thesis explores how the construction of two theoretical propositions – the Indigenous Community Management and Development (ICMD) practitioner and the Indigenous/non-Indigenous Interface – are decolonising and transformative strategies. It investigates how these theoretical constructs and assoc...

Research paper thumbnail of Introduction to National Standards for the Mental Health Workforce

Research paper thumbnail of Young people's experiences with Health Services: Final Report

This research was contracted by the Commissioner for Children and Young to better understand youn... more This research was contracted by the Commissioner for Children and Young to better understand young people's perception of health services. The consultations with over 1,000 young people, has identified opportunities to strengthen the focus on young people in health policies and services.

Research paper thumbnail of Indigenous Performance in Western Australian Universities

DETYA I'ma natural scholar, 2000

Research paper thumbnail of Ethical Principles and Guidelines for Indigenous Research

Research paper thumbnail of Cultural Competence–Transforming Policy, Services, Programs and Practice

Research paper thumbnail of Working as a Culturally Competent Mental Health Practitioner

Working Together

Working as a Culturally Competent Mental Health Practitioner 12 Roz Walker and Christopher Sonn O... more Working as a Culturally Competent Mental Health Practitioner 12 Roz Walker and Christopher Sonn OVERVIEW This chapter explores what is involved in being a professional practitioner working in the area of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health. It does this with ...

Research paper thumbnail of A systematic review of the evidence that swimming pools improve health and wellbeing in remote Aboriginal communities in Australia

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 2015

To provide an overview of the evidence for health and wellbeing benefits associated with swimming... more To provide an overview of the evidence for health and wellbeing benefits associated with swimming pools in remote Aboriginal* communities in Australia. Peer-reviewed and grey literature from 1990 to 2014 was searched to identify studies set in remote Australia that evaluated health and wellbeing benefits that have been associated with swimming pools. Studies were categorised using an evidence classification scale. Twelve studies met our search criteria. All prospective studies that collected data on skin infections found access to swimming pools to be associated with a drop of skin sore prevalence and -where measured- severity. Studies documenting ear and eye infections showed mixed outcomes. Many wider community and wellbeing benefits were documented in various studies, although many of these were primarily anecdotal in nature. Although a case can be made regarding skin infections and the broader wellbeing benefits that swimming pools may bring to remote Aboriginal communities, the benefit to ear and eye health remains unresolved. The decision to provide swimming pools to remote Aboriginal communities should not hinge on the demonstration of direct health benefits alone. Equity considerations and the potential broader benefits such amenities may entail are equally important.

Research paper thumbnail of Effectiveness and experiences of families participating in peer led parenting support programs delivered as home visiting programs and the meaning they attribute to these support programs: a systematic review protocol

The JBI Database of Systematic Reviews and Implementation Reports, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Our Homes, Our Communities, Our Future Australian Housing Conference

Research paper thumbnail of Working Together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health and Wellbeing: Principles and Practice

ABSTRACT This book offers a high quality, comprehensive examination of issues and strategies infl... more ABSTRACT This book offers a high quality, comprehensive examination of issues and strategies influencing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and social and emotional wellbeing. Drawing together culturally appropriate information on the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples it aims to educate and assist health professionals who provide services to Indigenous peoples experiencing mental health and social and emotional wellbeing issues. The content areas covered in the book include: history and contexts; issues of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and wellbeing; mental health practice; and working with specific groups: models, programs and services. The book also contains Indigenous artwork, each of which reflect aspects of Indigenous health and wellbeing. The artwork on the front cover was provided by Nellie Green and the painting depicts the spirits and how one must trust the spirits to provide direction and support during times of great adversity. The book was funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing and was developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research, the Kulunga Research Network, and the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research.

Research paper thumbnail of Using participatory action research to prevent suicide in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

Australian Journal of Primary Health, 2014

The National Empowerment Project is an innovative Aboriginal-led community empowerment project th... more The National Empowerment Project is an innovative Aboriginal-led community empowerment project that has worked with eight Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia over the period 2012-13. The aim of the Project was to develop, deliver and evaluate a program to: (1) promote positive social and emotional well-being to increase resilience and reduce the high reported rates of psychological distress and suicide among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; and (2) empower communities to take action to address the social determinants that contribute to psychological distress, suicide and self-harm. Using a participatory action research approach, the communities were supported to identify the risk factors challenging individuals, families and communities, as well as strategies to strengthen protective factors against these challenges. Data gathered during Stage 1 were used to develop a 12-month program to promote social and emotional well-being and build resilience within each community. A common framework, based on the social and emotional well-being concept, was used to support each community to target community-identified protective factors and strategies to strengthen individual, family and community social and emotional well-being. Strengthening the role of culture is critical to this approach and marks an important difference between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous mental health promotion and prevention activities, including suicide prevention. It has significant implications for policy makers and service providers and is showing positive impact through the translation of research into practice, for example through the development of a locally run empowerment program that aims to address the social determinants of health and their ongoing negative impact on individuals, families and communities. It also provides a framework in which to develop and strengthen culture, connectedness and foster self-determination, through better-informed policy based on community-level holistic responses and solutions as opposed to an exclusive focus on single-issue deficit approaches.

Research paper thumbnail of The effects of New Living on Indigenous wellbeing: a case study on urban renewal

ISBN: 1 920758 75 5 (project) ISBN: 1 920758 76 3 (positioning paper) DISCLAIMER AHURI Ltd is an ... more ISBN: 1 920758 75 5 (project) ISBN: 1 920758 76 3 (positioning paper) DISCLAIMER AHURI Ltd is an independent, non-political body which has supported this project as part of its programme of research into housing and urban development, which it hopes will be of value to policy-makers, researchers, industry and communities.

Research paper thumbnail of Developing Paradigms and Discourses to Establish More Appropriate Evaluation Frameworks and Indicators for Housing Programs: Final Report

Research paper thumbnail of Social Determinants of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social and Emotional Wellbeing

Group, 2004

This chapter explores current understandings of the determinants of Aboriginal and Torres Strait ... more This chapter explores current understandings of the determinants of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) and its development. We show that the determinants of this wellbeing are multiple, interconnected, and develop and act across the life course ...

Research paper thumbnail of The Halls Creek Community Families Program: Elements of the role of the child health nurse in development of a remote Aboriginal home visiting peer support program for families in the early years

Australian Journal of Rural Health, 2015

To undertake an evaluation of elements of the role of the child health nurse in the development o... more To undertake an evaluation of elements of the role of the child health nurse in the development of peer support for Aboriginal families with young children in a remote setting. The Halls Creek Community Families Program uses expertise of peer support workers to support parents of young families. In stage one, participatory action research was used. The program facilitator, who was a child health nurse, undertook action learning sets where issues were explored relating to home visiting strategies to families. Additionally, the facilitator maintained a reflective practice diary. Outcomes contributed to stage two, where an independent researcher evaluated program changes.This report relates to stage one, which used descriptive qualitative data from interviews with peer support workers and community support agencies, and the facilitator's reflective diary. Data were analysed by thematic analysis, focusing on elements of the role of the facilitator in program development. A remote Aboriginal community in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Eight peer support workers and five health and welfare professionals from community support agencies. This study measures changes in participants' understanding of the role and scope of practice of the child health nurse facilitator, thereby supporting improved support for Aboriginal families with young children. Thematic analysis identified three major changes in understanding the child health nurse facilitator role: working in partnership, communication strategies and education and organisational strategies. Findings suggest empowering benefits for Aboriginal peer support workers from the facilitating role of the child health nurse.

Research paper thumbnail of Involving Young People in Research in Hedland - From ideas to action: a praxis model

This chapter describes our experiences working with young people in Hedland in the Pilbara Wester... more This chapter describes our experiences working with young people in Hedland in the Pilbara Western Australia using PAR to empower and transform their lives and to make a more socially just and culturally responsive and caring community.

Research paper thumbnail of Transformative Strategies in Indigenous Education: A Study in Decolonisation and Positive Social Change

This thesis is located within the social and political context of Indigenous education within Aus... more This thesis is located within the social and political context of Indigenous education within Australia. Indigenous people continue to experience unacceptable levels of disadvantage and social marginalisation. The struggle for indigenous students individually and collectively lies in being able to determine a direction which is productive and non-assimilationist – which offers possibilities of social and economic transformation, equal opportunities and cultural integrity and self-determination. The challenge for teachers within the constraints of the academy is to develop strategies that are genuinely transformative, empowering and contribute to decolonisation and positive social change. This thesis explores how the construction of two theoretical propositions – the Indigenous Community Management and Development (ICMD) practitioner and the Indigenous/non-Indigenous Interface – are decolonising and transformative strategies. It investigates how these theoretical constructs and assoc...

Research paper thumbnail of Introduction to National Standards for the Mental Health Workforce

Research paper thumbnail of Young people's experiences with Health Services: Final Report

This research was contracted by the Commissioner for Children and Young to better understand youn... more This research was contracted by the Commissioner for Children and Young to better understand young people's perception of health services. The consultations with over 1,000 young people, has identified opportunities to strengthen the focus on young people in health policies and services.

Research paper thumbnail of Indigenous Performance in Western Australian Universities

DETYA I'ma natural scholar, 2000

Research paper thumbnail of Ethical Principles and Guidelines for Indigenous Research

Research paper thumbnail of Cultural Competence–Transforming Policy, Services, Programs and Practice

Research paper thumbnail of Working as a Culturally Competent Mental Health Practitioner

Working Together

Working as a Culturally Competent Mental Health Practitioner 12 Roz Walker and Christopher Sonn O... more Working as a Culturally Competent Mental Health Practitioner 12 Roz Walker and Christopher Sonn OVERVIEW This chapter explores what is involved in being a professional practitioner working in the area of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health. It does this with ...

Research paper thumbnail of A systematic review of the evidence that swimming pools improve health and wellbeing in remote Aboriginal communities in Australia

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 2015

To provide an overview of the evidence for health and wellbeing benefits associated with swimming... more To provide an overview of the evidence for health and wellbeing benefits associated with swimming pools in remote Aboriginal* communities in Australia. Peer-reviewed and grey literature from 1990 to 2014 was searched to identify studies set in remote Australia that evaluated health and wellbeing benefits that have been associated with swimming pools. Studies were categorised using an evidence classification scale. Twelve studies met our search criteria. All prospective studies that collected data on skin infections found access to swimming pools to be associated with a drop of skin sore prevalence and -where measured- severity. Studies documenting ear and eye infections showed mixed outcomes. Many wider community and wellbeing benefits were documented in various studies, although many of these were primarily anecdotal in nature. Although a case can be made regarding skin infections and the broader wellbeing benefits that swimming pools may bring to remote Aboriginal communities, the benefit to ear and eye health remains unresolved. The decision to provide swimming pools to remote Aboriginal communities should not hinge on the demonstration of direct health benefits alone. Equity considerations and the potential broader benefits such amenities may entail are equally important.

Research paper thumbnail of Effectiveness and experiences of families participating in peer led parenting support programs delivered as home visiting programs and the meaning they attribute to these support programs: a systematic review protocol

The JBI Database of Systematic Reviews and Implementation Reports, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Our Homes, Our Communities, Our Future Australian Housing Conference

Research paper thumbnail of Working Together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health and Wellbeing: Principles and Practice

ABSTRACT This book offers a high quality, comprehensive examination of issues and strategies infl... more ABSTRACT This book offers a high quality, comprehensive examination of issues and strategies influencing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and social and emotional wellbeing. Drawing together culturally appropriate information on the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples it aims to educate and assist health professionals who provide services to Indigenous peoples experiencing mental health and social and emotional wellbeing issues. The content areas covered in the book include: history and contexts; issues of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and wellbeing; mental health practice; and working with specific groups: models, programs and services. The book also contains Indigenous artwork, each of which reflect aspects of Indigenous health and wellbeing. The artwork on the front cover was provided by Nellie Green and the painting depicts the spirits and how one must trust the spirits to provide direction and support during times of great adversity. The book was funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing and was developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research, the Kulunga Research Network, and the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research.

Research paper thumbnail of Using participatory action research to prevent suicide in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

Australian Journal of Primary Health, 2014

The National Empowerment Project is an innovative Aboriginal-led community empowerment project th... more The National Empowerment Project is an innovative Aboriginal-led community empowerment project that has worked with eight Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia over the period 2012-13. The aim of the Project was to develop, deliver and evaluate a program to: (1) promote positive social and emotional well-being to increase resilience and reduce the high reported rates of psychological distress and suicide among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; and (2) empower communities to take action to address the social determinants that contribute to psychological distress, suicide and self-harm. Using a participatory action research approach, the communities were supported to identify the risk factors challenging individuals, families and communities, as well as strategies to strengthen protective factors against these challenges. Data gathered during Stage 1 were used to develop a 12-month program to promote social and emotional well-being and build resilience within each community. A common framework, based on the social and emotional well-being concept, was used to support each community to target community-identified protective factors and strategies to strengthen individual, family and community social and emotional well-being. Strengthening the role of culture is critical to this approach and marks an important difference between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous mental health promotion and prevention activities, including suicide prevention. It has significant implications for policy makers and service providers and is showing positive impact through the translation of research into practice, for example through the development of a locally run empowerment program that aims to address the social determinants of health and their ongoing negative impact on individuals, families and communities. It also provides a framework in which to develop and strengthen culture, connectedness and foster self-determination, through better-informed policy based on community-level holistic responses and solutions as opposed to an exclusive focus on single-issue deficit approaches.

Research paper thumbnail of The effects of New Living on Indigenous wellbeing: a case study on urban renewal

ISBN: 1 920758 75 5 (project) ISBN: 1 920758 76 3 (positioning paper) DISCLAIMER AHURI Ltd is an ... more ISBN: 1 920758 75 5 (project) ISBN: 1 920758 76 3 (positioning paper) DISCLAIMER AHURI Ltd is an independent, non-political body which has supported this project as part of its programme of research into housing and urban development, which it hopes will be of value to policy-makers, researchers, industry and communities.

Research paper thumbnail of Developing Paradigms and Discourses to Establish More Appropriate Evaluation Frameworks and Indicators for Housing Programs: Final Report

Research paper thumbnail of Social Determinants of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social and Emotional Wellbeing

Group, 2004

This chapter explores current understandings of the determinants of Aboriginal and Torres Strait ... more This chapter explores current understandings of the determinants of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) and its development. We show that the determinants of this wellbeing are multiple, interconnected, and develop and act across the life course ...

Research paper thumbnail of The Halls Creek Community Families Program: Elements of the role of the child health nurse in development of a remote Aboriginal home visiting peer support program for families in the early years

Australian Journal of Rural Health, 2015

To undertake an evaluation of elements of the role of the child health nurse in the development o... more To undertake an evaluation of elements of the role of the child health nurse in the development of peer support for Aboriginal families with young children in a remote setting. The Halls Creek Community Families Program uses expertise of peer support workers to support parents of young families. In stage one, participatory action research was used. The program facilitator, who was a child health nurse, undertook action learning sets where issues were explored relating to home visiting strategies to families. Additionally, the facilitator maintained a reflective practice diary. Outcomes contributed to stage two, where an independent researcher evaluated program changes.This report relates to stage one, which used descriptive qualitative data from interviews with peer support workers and community support agencies, and the facilitator's reflective diary. Data were analysed by thematic analysis, focusing on elements of the role of the facilitator in program development. A remote Aboriginal community in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Eight peer support workers and five health and welfare professionals from community support agencies. This study measures changes in participants' understanding of the role and scope of practice of the child health nurse facilitator, thereby supporting improved support for Aboriginal families with young children. Thematic analysis identified three major changes in understanding the child health nurse facilitator role: working in partnership, communication strategies and education and organisational strategies. Findings suggest empowering benefits for Aboriginal peer support workers from the facilitating role of the child health nurse.