Bulletin

Issue: June 2004

Research

Field researchers lend a helping hand

Five La Trobe University postgraduate students are using their expertise to Aboriginal developments projects around Australia. Four are studying for their doctorates (PhDs) and one is a Masters student.

While four of the projects - ranging from health, education and cultural research - are based on La Trobe initiatives in North-East Arnhem Land, (see main story) one is also helping in a health study being carried out by the Winda Mara Aboriginal Corporation in Heywood, Western Victoria.

Fiona Williams and North-East Arnhem Land Aboriginal Health Worker, Mr Terrence Guyula, are undertaking partnership research into the environ-mental factors influencing transmission and management of parasitic infection, particularly Strongyloides stercoralis. Ms Williams says this small intestinal worm can cause life-threatening infection, particularly among people with a low immune response. The research will help design projects to raise awareness of the parasite and provide strategies for community-based control and elimination.

Peter Luckock is working with the remote Balma community in North-East Arnhem Land, investigating social, cultural and economic aspects of managing feral buffalos. Feral buffalos can damage local food sources and impact on culturally sensitive land. He says the research will be used to develop community-driven land management strategies and training programs for Yolngu people, particularly the young men.

Heidi Lehmann has been working with health and education organisations investigating cancer in North-East Arnhem Land. This project focuses on palliative care, diet, nutrition and health education. Ms Lehmann says cancers of particular interest include lung, liver, cervical and breast. The research will be used to develop health education and to recommend ways to overcome current constraints facing the delivery of education and health services for cancer screening and treatment.

Martina Curry, a Masters student, completed her honours degree in genetics and a Diploma of Education at La Trobe and is working as a teacher in the Homelands Schools at Yirrkala, North-East Arnhem Land. Ms Curry conducted research into the food habits of Yolngu children and their understanding of nutrition. This information will be used with that gained from Ms Lehmann's project to develop nutritional awareness in rural schools.

Guan Lim is working with the Yolngu people, investigating the use of the Arafura Wetlands and the extent to which traditional customary law and social organisation influences the practice and sustainability of cultural and biological values. The results of his research, he says, will be crucial for developing management plans for this complex landscape, which has been listed on the Register of National estate.

Majlinda Lulo is working on an Aboriginal project in Western Victoria. Collaborating with the Koori Community of the Winda Mara Aboriginal Corporation in Heywood, Ms Lulo, is collecting data on the health status of the community and developing preventative health programs. The collaboration will also help long-term evaluation of local health care.•

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