Coolamon Research and Advocacy Centre aims to build an understanding of the widespread and cumulative effects of climate change, and the social, cultural and environmental factors impacting the lives of Aboriginal families and communities. The frequency, duration and intensity of heatwaves is increasing globally and in Australia, resulting in significant social, health, and economic impacts and increasing morbidity and mortality. The Coolamon Centre will conduct research to support Aboriginal communities in the regions to mitigate the impacts of heatwaves.
Water quality is another key area of concern. Whilst the World Health Organisation recognises that access to safe and quality water is a fundamental human right and essential for people’s health and quality of life, many Indigenous homeland communities across Australia do not have access to clean, reliable water. Many homelands communities in Western Australia experience high levels of nitrates and, uranium and other minerals contaminants and bacterial pollutants in their water causing a range of diseases.
The five key themes, acknowledge the interrelationship of the health of people and planet. These themes will be investigated in co-design with Aboriginal communities, research partners, stakeholders and industry, and include:
Led by the cultural strengths and knowledge of Aboriginal communities, this project co-designs expanded Ranger and Caring for Country programs to strengthen health, connection, and climate resilience.
The Changes to Country Project is a research project examining climate change and its impact on culture and Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB).
Led by Associate Professor Caroline Nilson, the Deadly Koolinga Chefs program is highly recognised by the WA Education Department and is a collaboration between Ngangk Yira Institute for Change and the School of Nursing at Murdoch University.
Boola Kep, Boola Koort Water Roundtable Held at Murdoch University
On 21st and 22nd July, Murdoch University and the Coolamon Research & Advocacy Centre proudly hosted the 2025 Water Roundtable, Boola Kep Boola Koort – Many Waters, Many Hearts.
The Boola Kep, Boola Koort Water Roundtable marked a significant milestone in the ongoing journey to secure safe, clean and reliable water for Aboriginal homeland communities.
Hosted by the Coolamon Research and Advocacy Centre, with support from the Homelands Advocacy Hub, the Roundtable brought together representatives from ten Homeland communities across Western Australia and the Torres Strait Islands, alongside researchers, service providers and government partners. The gathering focused on shared challenges around water quality and supply and strengthening action on long‑standing water access and safety issues.
Designed as a culturally grounded Aboriginal leadership space, the Roundtable centred Aboriginal voices and lived experience. Through shared stories and collaborative discussion, participants strengthened community‑led approaches to water justice and care for Country, with government and service partners engaging in a spirit of listening, learning and genuine partnership.
Purpose of the Roundtable
The Roundtable was designed to:
What happens next:
This Roundtable has strengthened networks, highlighted practical solutions, and set the stage for future action, including a proposed NHMRC Partnership Grant to advance safe water, sanitation and hygiene in Homelands. The commitment shared in these rooms must now translate into systemic change, led by Aboriginal communities, supported by partners, and acted on by government and service providers.
 Uncle Brendon Cook |
This page contains images of the 2025 Water Roundtable, group discussion, Elders and community leaders. Uncle Brendon Cook is pictured sharing knowledge with the roundtable attendees. |
Click the image below to access the Summary Report.
Figure 1. Group photo of (left to right): P.Green, J.Katzenellenbogen, C.Jones,A.Richard, R.Holme, D,Muscedere, N.Mclvor, P.Wood-Kenney, R.Strickland, M.David, M.West, B.Cook, J.Drummond, C.Beal, D.Sibosado, S.Cox, E.Lukale,S.Barba,E. Mosby, A.Le, M.Rind, T.Sibosado, S.Bourke, R.Walker, T. Zirakbash, C.Macfadyen, K.Fell, A.Kumar Gain, J.West, V.Stroud, M.Woodley.
Partnering for protection from the impacts of extreme heat events on Wakuthuni Community
The overall outcome of the Keep Carnaby’s Flying – Ngoolarks Forever program is to empower the community to keep Carnaby’s flying (safeguard the species).
In this Australian-led global initiative, ASAVI aims to reduce the disease burden caused by Strep A infections through effective vaccination.
This University of Queensland led research project is a partnership with Ngangk Yira Insitute for Change (NYIC), responding to socio-economic disadvantage and geographical isolation.
Boola Kep, Boola Koort Water Roundtable Held at Murdoch University
On 21st and 22nd July, Murdoch University and the Coolamon Research & Advocacy Centre proudly hosted the 2025 Water Roundtable, Boola Kep Boola Koort – Many Waters, Many Hearts.
The Boola Kep, Boola Koort Water Roundtable marked a significant milestone in the ongoing journey to secure safe, clean and reliable water for Aboriginal homeland communities.
Hosted by the Coolamon Research and Advocacy Centre, with support from the Homelands Advocacy Hub, the Roundtable brought together representatives from ten Homeland communities across Western Australia and the Torres Strait Islands, alongside researchers, service providers and government partners. The gathering focused on shared challenges around water quality and supply and strengthening action on long‑standing water access and safety issues.
Designed as a culturally grounded Aboriginal leadership space, the Roundtable centred Aboriginal voices and lived experience. Through shared stories and collaborative discussion, participants strengthened community‑led approaches to water justice and care for Country, with government and service partners engaging in a spirit of listening, learning and genuine partnership.
Purpose of the Roundtable
The Roundtable was designed to:
What happens next:
This Roundtable has strengthened networks, highlighted practical solutions, and set the stage for future action, including a proposed NHMRC Partnership Grant to advance safe water, sanitation and hygiene in Homelands. The commitment shared in these rooms must now translate into systemic change, led by Aboriginal communities, supported by partners, and acted on by government and service providers.
Uncle Brendon Cook |
This page contains images of the 2025 Water Roundtable, group discussion, Elders and community leaders. Uncle Brendon Cook is pictured sharing knowledge with the roundtable attendees. |
Click the image below to access the Summary Report.
Figure 1. Group photo of (left to right): P.Green, J.Katzenellenbogen, C.Jones,A.Richard, R.Holme, D,Muscedere, N.Mclvor, P.Wood-Kenney, R.Strickland, M.David, M.West, B.Cook, J.Drummond, C.Beal, D.Sibosado, S.Cox, E.Lukale,S.Barba,E. Mosby, A.Le, M.Rind, T.Sibosado, S.Bourke, R.Walker, T. Zirakbash, C.Macfadyen, K.Fell, A.Kumar Gain, J.West, V.Stroud, M.Woodley.
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