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Prisons strip life back to routines and control. For Aboriginal people, that comes on top of disconnection from culture, family, and Country. In that kind of environment, reform doesn’t stick unless there’s a base of common ground to work from.
Indigenous businesses are in a unique spot to create that base. They carry cultural authority, they’re trusted in communities, and they can bridge the gap between institutions and Aboriginal voices.
Prisons operate as systems of control, imposing routines, schedules, and compliance that quickly strip away individuality and humanity. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, incarceration not only reflects individual circumstances but also embodies the historical burden of systemic disadvantage spanning generations. The loss of cultural identity within these systems exacerbates this harm.
Indigenous businesses design custodial health models that are culturally grounded and credible, embedding cultural authority that enables positive contagion and drives systemic reform.
Reforming custodial health means rethinking Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander wellbeing in prisons. Indigenous businesses that work across health, justice and education, bring cultural authority and lived experience that mainstream providers cannot replicate.
During a recent review of the Koori Maternity Services (KMS) Guidelines, I posed the question: “How do the KMS Guidelines align with broader maternity care standards?”
There was a pause. Then one KMS midwife responded, “What if we turn that around and ask: how do broader maternity standards align with Aboriginal ways of doing things?”
It was a quiet correction, but a sharp one. My question carried an unexamined assumption: that Western systems define the benchmark, and everything else is measured in relation to that. That moment made something clearer for me: if you assume your position is the default you’re performing authority, not practising cultural humility.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Senior Consultant Associate David Reid reflects on Victoria’s Wellbeing Promotion Symposium, and how wellbeing is understood in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
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.
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
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.
"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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Recently Karabena participated in an incredible launch for the Wildlife Disease Association Conference 2024 on Wiradjuri Country in NSW. 'RESPECT', was a unique launch event which celebrated and centred Wiradjuri First Nations culture, and reflected on what those working in conservation, One Health and the environment might learn from the Wiradjuri ways of yindyamarra and gulbali ngurambang.
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.
With gratitude and mutual admiration, the partnership between Karabena Consulting and St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne (SVHM) draws to a close, leaving behind a trail of accomplishments and shared experiences.
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.
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.
Aunty Janet Turpie - Johnston, a distinguished Aboriginal artist, scholar and Elder, offers an exploration of human connection to the land in her latest series of paintings at Mullum Mullum Blak Arts Exhibition and allowed us to video her providing EMPHN Community Forum participants an explanation of her works.