Ngarra Wakulda: Safeguarding Culture and Community Voice in First Steps Count's Codesign Journey
First Steps Count Child and Family Hub is proud to work in close partnership with the Ngarra Wakulda Aboriginal Community Consultation Group (ACCG). The name, meaning "listen, learn, know as one" in Gathang, reflects the group's vital role in ensuring the protection of Aboriginal data and stories in line with data sovereignty principles.
Formed following extensive consultation with the Biripi Aboriginal Corporation Medical Centre (Biripi ACMC), local Aboriginal-controlled organisations, and Biripi Elders, Ngarra Wakulda acts as a cultural safeguard for the Hub's work in Taree. Their primary mandate is to ensure that any data gathered about Biripi people is used solely to inform, initiate, and guide change for the benefit of the community itself.
This partnership is central to the Hub's involvement in the broader STARS for Kids project—a collaboration between the University of Sydney and the University of NSW. The research aims to co-design a pathway for supporting parents in the early months after a baby's birth, alongside psychosocial supports for the whole family. Through Ngarra Wakulda, the project ensures that the codesign process addresses critical issues of truth-telling, healing, cultural centricity, self-determination, equity, and cultural safety.
To further support this commitment, the group is actively working to remove barriers to research participation. This includes adopting approaches such as verbally explaining participant information alongside written sheets, reducing reliance on literacy-heavy materials and ensuring that engagement is accessible to all.
Ngarra Wakulda is comprised of dedicated community leaders and experts, including Aunty Isabell Bungie, Aunty Denise Russell, Aunty Gail Lean, Aunty Lynette Syron, Jessica Rangi, Rebecca Witchard, Toni Carson, Nathan Maher, Hannah Earley, Luana Kleindienst, Melissa Foster and Amy Wallace. Their guidance ensures that First Steps Count remains a space where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families feel safe, respected and empowered.
Through this collaboration, the Hub is not just delivering services, but helping to build long-standing relationships that foster meaningful, ongoing community involvement and pave the way for a future where all families in Taree have what they need to thrive.
Media Enquiries:
Clare Brennan, Director
clare.brennan@firststepscount.org
Links:
Read more about the STARS Research Project
