Investing in Impact: Why Karabena’s Work is Value for Money
At Karabena Consulting, we often hear: “Your prices are…high.”
Our answer is: yes, resoundingly so.
Our work delivers measurable social and economic return on investment (ROI). Not just in outputs, but in real, lasting change. We centre Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems, drive policy reform, and build community capacity. This creates a ripple effect of impact that extends far beyond the life of a project.
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Unlearning: The Hidden Work of Cultural Safety
We’ve all done it, clicked through a cultural awareness module on autopilot at double speed, skimmed a few facts, maybe even jumped straight to the quiz. Job done, right? You’re now culturally aware
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Reframing Risk-Taking in Driving: A Strengths-Based Approach to Road Safety
Road safety is a critical issue for all communities, yet Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth face unique systemic and intergenerational barriers that influence their approach to driving. Too often, risk-taking in driving is viewed as a deficit, rather than a natural developmental process that can be channelled into structured, positive pathways for skill development.
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Decolonising Research and Evaluation: The Power of Peer Researchers
Peer researchers shift the power dynamics in research, ensuring that those most affected by the outcomes have a direct voice in shaping them. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, it’s a way of reclaiming narratives and embedding cultural values into methodologies. It methodology with self-determination at its heart.
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Decolonising Research and Evaluation: Karabena’s position on research and evaluation reports involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
Karabena emphasises conducting culturally safe and ethical research that prioritises the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. By blending traditional research methodologies with narrative-driven insights, the organisation aims to humanise evaluations and foster meaningful, human-centred decision-making.
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Truth-telling, healing, and the power of reconnection: Reflections from the Stolen Generations
For Senior Consultant Associate Sharon Pittaway, working on the Link-Up Victoria project was an incredibly moving and enlightening experience. The program’s dedication to supporting members of the Stolen Generations as they reconnect with family, country, and culture brought into sharp focus the deep need for truth-telling and healing within Australia.
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Victoria’s Anti-Racism Strategy (2024-2029): A Welcome Line-in-the-Sand
Karabena Group commends the Victorian Government on the recent release of its Anti-Racism Strategy (2024-2029). Racism has no place in Victoria, and the launch of the Strategy marks a decisive step in securing a more inclusive society for all.
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Self-Care Over the Holiday Period: Tips from Team Karabena
However you choose to mark the holiday period, it is a wonderful opportunity to pause, reflect on the year that’s been, embrace the festive season, and rejuvenate for the year to come.
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Shifting the Narrative in Mental Health and Wellbeing: Reflections on Victoria’s Wellbeing Promotion Symposium
Senior Consultant Associate David Reid reflects on Victoria’s Wellbeing Promotion Symposium, and how wellbeing is understood in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
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Unlocking the Power of Co-Design: Transforming Ideas into Impactful Solutions
Co-design is a collaborative process is transforming the way organisations, governments, and communities work together to create solutions that truly resonate with those they aim to serve. At Karabena Consulting, we believe co-design is more than just a buzzword—it’s a game-changer that brings together diverse voices to create impact by design.
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Championing Inclusion and Diversity: Derek Villaceran’s Journey to Karabena Consulting
Australia is home to so many different people and cultures, making inclusion and diversity so important on so many levels. Junior Consultant Associate Derek reflects on diversity and inclusion, and how his previous experience has prepared him for working at Karabena Consulting on reviewing the Victorian Disability Worker Commission’s policies and developing cultural awareness training modules
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Celebrating the Growth of Karabena Consulting: A Journey of Resilience and Vision
As I stand among the 2024 Kinaway Victorian Aboriginal Business Awards nominees, I reflect on the trajectory of Karabena Consulting. This recognition signifies far more than a milestone; it acknowledges the endurance, shared vision, and purpose woven through the work we do.
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Breaking the Silence: Shifting the Focus in Perinatal Mental Health Screening for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Parents
"When I was first pregnant, my mother told me not to talk about my mental health with anyone." This powerful quote set the tone for Senior Consultant, Sharon Pittaway's presentation to the Victorian Branch of PANDA last week. As we mark Perinatal Mental Health Week (Nov 17-23), it’s timely to reflect on key findings from our consultations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents on their experiences with perinatal mental health screening.
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What to do this NAIDOC Week: Tips from Team Karabena Consulting
This year’s NAIDOC Week runs from 7-14 July. There are many ways to celebrate, including attending rallies, buying from First Peoples owned businesses, hosting events at your workplace, reading and listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories, and attending some of the many public NAIDOC events in your town. Here are team Karabena Consulting’s tips for what they’re looking forward to this NAIDOC Week.
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Celebrating NAIDOC Week: Honouring First Peoples' Culture and History
In Australia, NAIDOC Week stands as a significant occasion that celebrates the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Held annually in July, this week-long event is not only a time of reflection but also a vibrant celebration of First Peoples heritage and resilience.
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Mabo Day
Mabo's tireless efforts and determination paved the way for the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land rights, challenging the doctrine of terra nullius that had previously denied First Peoples their connection to the land. His legacy continues to inspire and empower First Peoples communities across Australia.
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The 1967 Referendum in Australia
The journey towards achieving true equality for First Peoples is ongoing, but the 1967 Referendum remains a pivotal moment in the nation's history and a powerful reminder of the importance of recognising and respecting the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
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National Reconciliation Week
During National Reconciliation Week, various events and activities are held across the country to commemorate the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. These events aim to foster understanding, respect, and reconciliation between First Peoples and non-First Peoples Australians.
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Reflecting on the Impact of Sorry Day
Explore the significance of Sorry Day in acknowledging and addressing past injustices towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. At Karabena Consulting, we have been actively working towards healing through several projects working directly with Stolen Generations survivors and their families. Currently, we are working with Link-Up Victoria and VACCA to undertake consultations into the needs and aspirations of Stolen Generations survivors and their families living in Victoria and Tasmania.
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Honouring Survival Day: A Reflection on the Resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
Survival Day, also known as Invasion Day, is a solemn occasion that invites us to reflect on the resilience and strength of our families, friends and communities. For many, this day is not a cause for celebration but an opportunity to acknowledge our enduring spirit as we have faced, and continue to face many and cumulative historical challenges.
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