Kimberley Research Workshop
Community Livelihood Evaluation
The Problem
It does not work!
An underlying situation rarely talked about openly, as was found in my recent doctoral study, could hold the key to resolving an endemic global ‘Development’ problem. There has been more than six billion dollars a year invested into Aboriginal Development by governments in Australia, major corporations also invest, yet none of this has changed what is a humanitarian crisis for too many Indigenous community’s in Northern Australia.
Equally as concerning is that, there are billions of dollars invested globally into humanitarian aid. Like Northern Australia it is the ‘status quo’ of how Development happens and is sustained. Lack of livelihood opportunities and poor living conditions remain for community’s who are meant to benefit from this type of the investment. Instead of creating sustainable communities it sustains the growth of the Development Sector.
Why is that so?
Whose livelihoods are really being sustained?
Equally as concerning is that, there are billions of dollars invested globally into humanitarian aid. Like Northern Australia it is the ‘status quo’ of how Development happens and is sustained. Lack of livelihood opportunities and poor living conditions remain for community’s who are meant to benefit from this type of the investment. Instead of creating sustainable communities it sustains the growth of the Development Sector.
Why is that so?
Whose livelihoods are really being sustained?
KIMBERLEY RESEARCH WORKSHOP
A Collaborative Learning Case Study
The objective of the research workshop was for the cross-sector interviewees to come together in one room for a workshop. It was also an opportunity to share the early findings with them as a collaborative learning experience, to learn from each other.
The primary question presented to participants at commencement of the workshop was; How has the implementation of (Industry of Government) Kimberley Development initiatives contributed (or not) to the sustainable livelihoods and sustainable growth of Kimberley Communities?
The tailored Cultural Mapping (Module 4) was used as the workshop learning framework (as an evaluation model) which was complimented by adapting and applying the ‘World Café’ method to structure workshop activity.
The collaborative learning approach was achieved by applying the six learning themes of Module 4 (see symbols) as the workshop learning framework. This facilitated the participants ability to reflect on and evaluate implementation of past or present Kimberley ‘development’ initiatives (i.e., development projects or programs).
"So, there was no shared vision. Woodside had a vision. Government had a vision. There was money coming in from that vision but how was that going to impact on a sustainable livelihood for the greater region. That wasn't considered." (Workshop participant quote refers to a Kimberley LNG Gas Project)
The primary question presented to participants at commencement of the workshop was; How has the implementation of (Industry of Government) Kimberley Development initiatives contributed (or not) to the sustainable livelihoods and sustainable growth of Kimberley Communities?
The tailored Cultural Mapping (Module 4) was used as the workshop learning framework (as an evaluation model) which was complimented by adapting and applying the ‘World Café’ method to structure workshop activity.
The collaborative learning approach was achieved by applying the six learning themes of Module 4 (see symbols) as the workshop learning framework. This facilitated the participants ability to reflect on and evaluate implementation of past or present Kimberley ‘development’ initiatives (i.e., development projects or programs).
"So, there was no shared vision. Woodside had a vision. Government had a vision. There was money coming in from that vision but how was that going to impact on a sustainable livelihood for the greater region. That wasn't considered." (Workshop participant quote refers to a Kimberley LNG Gas Project)
FAQ's
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What types of groups did you research in the Study?
52 industry leaders from a very diverse range of sectors in Australia and Internationally were invited to participate in the Study.
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Who participated in the workshop?
Due to research privacy obligations the names are withheld.
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How do I view the workshop?
Just scroll to the bottom of this page where you'll find the VIEW THE WORKSHOP button.
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How can I apply the learnings from this workshop to evaluate my own initiatives?
This complimentary course is/was a case study of Implementation and there are two ways you can apply it and learn from it to evaluate your own initiatives:
1) Learn it: Join the course to learn from participants in the prior PhD workshop by listening to their perspectives while working through the course content. See how it was applied as an evaluation process in the context of Industry or Government development initiatives, community engagement or impacts.
2) Apply it: Use the method as an evaluation process for your own development project or programs, that seek to engage communities. Assess if your development initiative has already achieved the six primary objectives (of the learning themes) to achieve sustainable communities. If you have not achieved them then this Cultural Mapping Model™ would be of value if sustainable growth of your initiative and its engaged community, is your preferred outcome. -
What is the cost to view the workshop?
This is a complimentary case study.
Workshop Participant Feedback
Participating Sector: Not for Profit
"The new information and insights I got were around the process of establishing growth and steps to insure an outcome for communities."
Participating Sector: NRM
"The new information and insights I got were how research and innovation are so focused on third parties needs and outcomes not actually on behalf of communities (they engage with)."
Participating Sector: Aboriginal Land Tenure
"The new information and insights for me are the ways in which spatial mapping can be used."
Participating Sector: Training and Education
"The insight for me was reiteration of and (my) acknowledgement of the ‘key stakeholder’ influence on projects and their direction."
Participating Sector: Economic Development Consultancy
“The insight for me is that the interest and scope is very wide, more than I anticipated”
Image Credits:
Glenn Campbell/Fairfax Syndication, image of Maggie Green NT (top), video Copyright Poverty Inc; (central banner), Rod Hartvigsen, image (bottom banner)