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.
We at Karabena Consulting are proud to announce a significant partnership that marks a new chapter in our continuous journey towards empowering Aboriginal communities. Collaborating with the Department of Health, we have embarked on a project named "Aboriginal Led Design and Participation - Shaping a Holistic Early Years Health Service for Aboriginal Communities from Pregnancy to Starting Schools.”
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.
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.
In a powerful collaboration, Karabena Consulting, a 100% Indigenous-owned company in Australia, partnered with the City of Melbourne to embark on a momentous project - the Stolen Generations Marker. This significant initiative aimed to recognize truth-telling, share Aboriginal culture, and acknowledge the experiences of dispossession, fostering healing and reconciliation within Melbourne and beyond.
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.
The Commonwealth Games presented a unique opportunity to facilitate a change in the relationship between the Commonwealth and First Nations people. The intangible benefits could have included pride, access, reduced racism in regional Victoria, increased business opportunities with the increased visitor economy and promoting culture to Australia and the world.
Big news from the Karabena family - we are on the move! Our team is embarking on a new journey, transitioning to our brand-new office in the charming town of Sunbury. This move symbolizes an exciting new chapter in our story, one filled with anticipation and a fresh sense of purpose.
We are thrilled to announce that Karabena Consulting has emerged as the successful tenderer for the evaluation of the first Dhelk Dja 3-Year Action Plan (2019-2022). Our rich history and expertise as an Aboriginal service provider make us an ideal partner to evaluate this significant initiative by the Department of Families, Fairness, and Housing (DFFH).
When it comes to professional development, Mental Health First Aid training may not seem like the most obvious choice for businesses seeking a significant return on investment. However, Lauren learned that the impact of mental ill-health on workplace productivity and performance is enormous.
Recently, David made the difficult decision to leave the comfort of his role as secondary teacher and join the team at Karabena Consulting. As a descendant of the Awabakal people, this was an important choice both on a personal and professional level. He has long felt an innate yearning to directly contribute to First Nations programs and initiatives, and feels very fortunate for the opportunity provided by Kerry and the team.
We, much like many other forward-thinking organisations, have started allocating budgets specifically for professional development, empowering our employees to enhance their skills and knowledge. One shining example of this investment is Kate, our Executive Manager of Digital and Marketing, who recently embarked on a transformative learning journey by enrolling in a Mini MBA in Marketing with Marketing Week.
Set for face-to-face delivery in November at Creswick, Victoria, the ECHO participants were selected to join the growing number of ECHO Alumni. The training course is a result of intensive co-design and delivery with our women.
As we come to the end of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, we have been reflecting on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s experiences of violence, and how innovative prevention strategies can be implemented to address the family violence experienced by First Nations families.
What did I mean by cultural leave?
Last week, I was asked an intriguing question by my staff, ‘What does Karabena Consulting mean by cultural leave?’ Like many other businesses and workplaces, we have an in-house policy which enables us to provide cultural leave every year.
Last month the Australian Government announced that it is providing $16.6 million for perinatal mental health initiatives, through nine new grants. We were particularly thrilled to hear that $2.59 million was awarded to the University of Newcastle’s SMS4dads – a digital information and support service for new fathers.
Nothing gets me going in the morning more than a good cuppa tea and a Manifesto to read. Some people like to read the news, talk to their partners, pat their dogs, go for a walk, do Pilates or chant, but I like to think. Manifestos can help me do just that because they describe the intentions and motivations of the individuals who write them.
The 26th of May 2021 marks 23 years since Australia’s first National Sorry Day – a day to remember and acknowledge the ‘grief, suffering and injustice’ experienced by the Stolen Generations. The first National Sorry Day was held one year after the landmark Bringing them Home report was tabled in Parliament, which was the result of the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from Their Families.
On 15 March 2021, tens of thousands of people across Australia gathered for the Women’s March 4 Justice rallies, protesting against gendered violence, discrimination and inequality. This comes on the heels of rape allegations made by former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins against a colleague in Parliament House, as well as historical rape allegations against Attorney-General Christian Porter.
The Yoo-rrook Justice Commission, the nation’s first truth and justice process, is expected to begin in Victoria in July of this year and will run for three years. Named after the Wemba Wemba/Wamba Wamba word for ‘truth’, the Commission will examine both historical and ongoing injustices committed against Aboriginal Victorians since colonisation. To achieve its aims of truth-telling and listening, the Commission will engage both Victoria’s Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community.