A major research partnership between the Kimberley Aboriginal Law and Culture Centre (KALACC) and the Centre for Indigenous Policy Research (CIPR) at the Australian National University has delivered new, community-led ways of understanding and measuring wellbeing for Aboriginal people in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Conducted between 2022 and 2025, the project worked directly with Kimberley Aboriginal men, women and communities to co-design culture and wellbeing frameworks grounded in lived experience. Through interviews and community-led workshops, the research produced six locally specific frameworks made up of more than 80 indicators across 11 themes, reflecting what strong culture and wellbeing mean to Kimberley communities themselves.

The project also tested how these frameworks can be used in practice. Evaluations of cultural initiatives showed that participation in cultural activities is strongly linked to improved well-being and cultural learning, as defined by participants. Case studies with local service providers further highlighted the central role of culture in effective, holistic support pathways. Together, the findings reinforce long-standing evidence that culture is fundamental to wellbeing, while offering practical, co-designed tools to support future policy, programs and research in the Kimberley region. We want to thank you all the Aboriginal elders, community members and organisations who shared their time and knowledge with us.

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