OVS04 - ‘Community knows best: a locally developed training resource for CRAICCHS (Cherbourg Regional Aboriginal and Islander Community Controlled Health Service).’

Overview

This VRES project will support an existing project currently being undertaken by A/Prof Deb Duthie and Dr Shelley Hopkins: ‘Community knows best: a locally developed training resource for CRAICCHS (Cherbourg Regional Aboriginal and Islander Community Controlled Health Service).’

CRAICCHS are located in Cherbourg Aboriginal Community, Wondai and Kingaroy and are the local community-controlled health services, providing health and social-emotional wellbeing to Cherbourg and surrounds patients and clients. CRAICCHS employs a number of Cherbourg community members as health workers, however, other employees are not from Community.  Additionally, there are a number of visiting specialists involved in clinical care (Audiology, Optometry, Podiatry, Dental Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Dietetics, Psychology and Diabetes Education). To ensure a culturally safe environment for patients and clients at CRAICCHS, the CEO has requested the development of a resource booklet that will support external specialists, clinicians and health workers to continue to provide culturally safe, effective and timely healthcare services. The research and ensuing resource document will contribute to visiting specialists and external health workers better understanding of Cherbourg as a Community (historically and contemporarily) and, in particular, provide a guideline to culturally safe healthcare provision

Research engagement

Data analysis and resource development; field-based work (meetings in Cherbourg) and office-based.

Research activities

Preliminary analysis of data collected from interviews between CRAICCHS staff and research team members.  Assist in preparation of data for presenting back to CRAICCHS CEO to confirm format of resource to develop, and content to be included.  Begin development of resource for CRAICCHS – planning format / layout, and presentation of content.

Research skills

Gain skills in analysis of interview data; engaging in community-led research;  development of an online resource

Outcomes

Development of a draft resource for use by CRAICCHS.

Skills and experience

Awareness of culturally safe principles, open to working with Indigenous and non Indigenous research team, an interest in Indigenous Health, preparedness to work with Indigenous knowledges, can travel to Cherbourg once per month. Skills in online resource development preferable but not essential.

Start date

23 November, 2026

End date

5 February, 2027

Location

O Block, Kelvin Grove

Keywords

• Indigenous knowledges
• Culturally safe practice
• Health promotion
• Community controlled health services

Contact

• Shelley Hopkins

• 31388617

• shelley.hopkins@qut.edu.au