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Developing a framework identifying the outcomes, principles and enablers of ‘gathering places’: Perspectives from Aboriginal people in Victoria, Australia

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  • Kingsley, Jonathan
  • Munro-Harrison, Emily
  • Jenkins, Anne
  • Thorpe, Alister

Abstract

Aboriginal ‘gathering places’ have been described as cultural hubs, healing centres, and social meeting places. This article explores a gap in the literature on the health and wellbeing outcomes of gathering places from the perspectives of Aboriginal people who attend them. The aim of this study was to develop a framework to articulate the enablers, principles, and outcomes of ‘successful’ Aboriginal gathering places. In this study, sixty-nine (n = 69) community members participated in qualitative interviews or focus group discussions across thirteen gathering place sites in Victoria (Australia). The research found that gathering places address social health disparities through the provision of a broad range of health and wellbeing programs that benefit Aboriginal community members accessing them. Gathering places were described by participants as providing connections to place, Aboriginal culture, and healing and mainstream health services that enhanced wellbeing. These findings contribute to a better understanding of how Aboriginal gathering places function and offer strategies for creating culturally safe and welcoming settings for Aboriginal peoples, with potential for consideration in international contexts. This research informed a best-practice framework and outlines different models for developing community empowering and culturally affirming gathering places for improving Aboriginal people's access to culturally appropriate health and support services, while simultaneously reducing health and social inequalities. Key elements of this framework that contribute to a successful gathering place include the people, place (location/facilities), programs and community themselves, whilst the principles that enable these places include elements like self-determination, respect of culture, sustainability and strong governance.

Suggested Citation

  • Kingsley, Jonathan & Munro-Harrison, Emily & Jenkins, Anne & Thorpe, Alister, 2021. "Developing a framework identifying the outcomes, principles and enablers of ‘gathering places’: Perspectives from Aboriginal people in Victoria, Australia," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 283(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:283:y:2021:i:c:s0277953621005499
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114217
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alfred Dockery, 2010. "Culture and Wellbeing: The Case of Indigenous Australians," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 99(2), pages 315-332, November.
    2. Mikraszewicz, Kathleen & Richmond, Chantelle, 2019. "Paddling the Biigtig: Mino biimadisiwin practiced through canoeing," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 240(C).
    3. Butler, Tamara L. & Anderson, Kate & Garvey, Gail & Cunningham, Joan & Ratcliffe, Julie & Tong, Allison & Whop, Lisa J. & Cass, Alan & Dickson, Michelle & Howard, Kirsten, 2019. "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's domains of wellbeing: A comprehensive literature review," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 233(C), pages 138-157.
    4. repec:mpr:mprres:6144 is not listed on IDEAS
    5. Markwick, Alison & Ansari, Zahid & Sullivan, Mary & McNeil, John, 2015. "Social determinants and psychological distress among Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander adults in the Australian state of Victoria: A cross-sectional population based study," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 128(C), pages 178-187.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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