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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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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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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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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Nurturing Leadership and Legacy: A Recap of the ECHO First Nations Women's Leadership Program for 2023
The ECHO First Nations Women's Leadership Program is a regular event which now has an alumni of 65 First Nations women based in Victoria. Facilitated by a team led by Karen Milward and Dr. Kerry Arabena with Amanda Meric, Kim Reid, Judy McDonald and Daphne Milward, the October 2023 course has just been completed, leaving women with a deep and profound excitement for their leadership journey and a renewed sense of purpose.
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Celebrating Indigenous Business Month at Karabena Consulting
As Indigenous Business Month has come to a close, it's time to reflect on the achievements and initiatives that have taken place at Karabena Consulting throughout this important month.
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Karabena: Rooted in Tradition, Guiding Your Future
In the heart of the Torres Strait Islands, a sense of community, connection, and mutual support is deeply ingrained in our way of life. At Karabena, a proud 100 percent Torres Strait Islander woman-owned and operated company, these values are the bedrock of our work.
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Empowering Families: The Success of Family Preservation and Reunification Response Evaluation
As an Indigenous woman-owned and led consulting company based in Melbourne, Australia, our mission at Karabena Consulting is deeply rooted in improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Recently, we had the incredible opportunity to work on a project funded by the Centre for Evaluation and Research Evidence (CERE). We were tasked with evaluating the Family Preservation and Reunification Response Phase 2 program, a vital initiative aimed at supporting vulnerable families and children. Today, we are thrilled to share the successes and insights we gained during this transformative evaluation.
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Earth Rings of Sunbury: Echoing Karabena's Values in our New Home
As we settle into our new home in Sunbury, we're continually inspired by the cultural and natural heritage that surrounds us. One such symbol of inspiration is the Earth Rings of Sunbury. These ancient earthworks, believed to have been used for ceremonial purposes by the Wurundjeri people, embody many of the values we hold dear at Karabena.
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Introducing the Four-Day Work Week: Empowering the Workforce with Karabena Consulting
At Karabena we are proud to be part of the Four-Day work week trial. We acknowledge the often-overlooked contributions and struggles of Indigenous workers throughout history, seeking to create a more equitable future for all.
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