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Aboriginal Family Holiday Program Evaluation Report

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Aboriginal Family Holiday Program Evaluation Report using the reporting template

SECTION ONE

Main messages:

Community consultation in planning is vital

Cultural and sports based activities were most popular

Flexibility- service providers must be prepared to change program at the short notice to fit in with the client group

SECTION TWO

1. Overview of objective and key strategies

The main aims of this program were to increase social connectedness within the Drouin Aboriginal population and with the broader

community and to create supportive environments that build resilience, confidence and self esteem in children and young people.

The Aboriginal Family Holiday Program involved engaging with the Drouin Aboriginal Advisory Group of Elders and partner

organisations to plan and deliver a series of culturally appropriate activities in the community of Drouin in partnership with West

Gippsland Healthcare Group (WGHG). The Aboriginal Advisory Group of Elders in Drouin was consulted during planning and

delivery of the program to ensure that the program met the needs of the community and was culturally appropriate.

The program aimed to demonstrate a culturally appropriate program that could improve the social and emotional wellbeing,

nutrition, physical activity, and lifestyle behaviours for Aboriginal families. The program consisted of a series of activities and

events which were delivered over the January and April school holidays in 2012. The program also aimed at engaging the


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Aboriginal community to encourage participation in programs such as Community Kitchens in the long term. Another long term

goal of the program was to help address poor eating habits, physical inactivity, overweight and obesity for this population group and

improve participation in organised sports and community social interaction (Not evaluated).

The aims of the program were developed to align with both the Vic Health's Participation for Health: A framework for action 2009 –

2013 and the Life is Health is Life: Taking action to Close the Gap Framework. The Vic Health framework calls for programs and

projects to address the social and economic determinants of mental and physical health whilst the ‘Life is Health is Life’ Framework

outlines ‘if people have a connection to country then the benefits may include reduced risk factors for cardiovascular disease and

diabetes a more nutritious diet, greater participation in physical activity, and improved self-esteem and identity’. It was anticipated

that families would feel more connected to their culture and country after attending the program and having the opportunity to visit

places where their parents and grandparents lived and worked.

2. Methods Used (evaluation design)

To evaluate this program, the following data was collected.

Attendance at each of the days in January and April 2012

Post questionnaires / group discussions with parents and children (with permission of parents) were conducted to determine

attendance, attitude, connection to country and enjoyment.


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Photos and video interviews were also taken to provide a visual record of events and participation and were documented as

a form of evaluation.

Additional outputs evaluated include the number of collaborative partnerships developed between organisations with a view

to future program delivery.

Evaluation Plan:

Evaluation of healthy eating: The methods planned to be used to obtain this data included Pre and Post questionnaires on fruit and

veg consumption, food preparation, physical activity participation and general healthy eating. The wording of the questionnaire was

complicated and after filling out four pages of registration information, the WGHG staff felt that the participants were experiencing

‘paperwork overload’. The questionnaires were not engaging the clients. WGHG staff felt that including the nutrition questions at

the end of the program after the clients had experienced different foods and had something more concrete to comment on was

more in keeping with the client group’s experiential learning styles. Asking questions which seemed irrelevant to them at the

beginning was counterproductive. The type of assessment was changed to meet the needs of the client group and collection of the

planned data was abandoned.

The number of children attending the program and the literacy level of participants resulted in the evaluation plan and surveys for

the holiday program being modified to accommodate the participants’ literacy competency. WGHG staff members were required to

assist in the completion of many participants’ surveys. The answers provided by older children were sparse, but include some

valuable quotes of their experiences. Videoed discussions and photography provided a visual evaluation of the program’s success.

3. Results/key findings:

The program was delivered for twelve days during the January and April 2012 school holidays (Jan 9 – 27 and April 2 – 13).


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Reach:

The Drouin Aboriginal population has been estimated by Best Start Program Officers to be 123 adults and children. The number of

participants attending at the January holiday program ranged from 0 to 21. Children were predominant on each day with the

exception of Day 1 (January). The Art Day had best attendance in January with 17 children and 4 adults attending. In April, the best

attendance for a single day was the Sports Day with 27 children and 9 adults attending. The overnight trip in the April program was

attended by 10 adults and 18 children. In addition between 5 and 8 staff were in attendance on each day of the program. (Appendix

1)

Consumer Participant satisfaction:

A range of program activities were undertaken and evaluations indicated that the Fishing Day (Day 7) was most popular in the

January program followed by the Pool Day (Day 4). Drumming, sport, fishing and artwork were also popular activities in January. In

April, the overnight cultural trip to East Gippsland was indicated as the most enjoyable activity and followed by the Sports Day

(Appendix 2).

The program was run from 10 am – 3 pm in most cases unless longer travel time was required. The participants were happy with

the length of days in 12/14 (86%) cases in January. During the April program 16/23 (70%) were happy with the length of days while

6/23 (26%) were unhappy that the days were not longer.

During the January program 10/14 (71%) of participants indicated that they learnt new skills whilst in April this increased to 19/23

(83%).


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Participants reported that the new skills they learnt in January included fishing, drumming and talking to new people. In April, the

most common new skills reported were drumming, playing new sports and fishing.

Change in health related behaviours and consumer satisfaction:

The vast majority of participants enjoyed the healthy food provided and this increased from 81% in January to 100% in April. 70%

indicated that they had tried new foods during the program in January. These new foods included healthy options such as

avocado, tuna, wraps, chicken, barbequed meats, smoked trout and salad. Interestingly the number of people trying new foods

reduced in April (34%), but the new foods tried were more unusual such as purple carrots, pomegranate, coconut, mushrooms and

purple grapes.

Social capital:

In January, the Peppermint Ridge Program (Day 6) provided participants with an opportunity to learn about local Aboriginal culture.

12/14 (86%) of the people evaluated said they had learnt more about their culture through being in the January program.

The April program had a high emphasis on connection to country, spirituality and ancestral history. 100% of the participants who

visited Lake Tyers Trust felt that they were now more connected to their ancestor’s community and 87% (20/23) learnt something

new about their culture.

Changed attitudes:

In January, the majority of participants 13/14 (93%) indicated that they spent time with someone in their community that they would

not normally have spent time with. 12/14 (86%) felt more connected to their community by spending time in the program and doing


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activities with them. At the end of the January program 100% of those who responded indicated that they would like to participate in

the April program.

During the April program 78% (18/23) of participants indicated that they spent time with someone they would not normally spend

time with. Spending time with extended family was identified in 44% cases.

Staff workload:

The planning and implementation of this program component was based on input from 2.4 WGHG workers. Staff movements

resulted in only 1.4 staff being available to work on the January program – one full time and one 0.4FT. The loss of one full time

member of staff meant that extra work hours were offered to 0.4FT staff member. The increased work load of these staff members

meant that other work priorities had to be adjusted.

A number of changes in the program were required leading up to and during the January program. Reasons for changes included

suitability of weather, locations, availability of participating stakeholders and local knowledge gained from consultation with the local

Aboriginal community.

Final January activities timetable available in appendix 3.

The April timetable was also changed after consideration of the evaluation of the success of the January sports and fishing days.

The community’s enthusiasm to participate again in these activities was recognised as an important factor when modifying the

timetable. The final April timetable is available in appendix 4.

4. Discussion and conclusion

Reach:

The program was promoted by word of mouth, through the Aboriginal health service, through schools and established contacts.

Interested families were provided with a comprehensive registration pack that provided detailed information on both January and


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April programs. No one attended the planned information day (Day1), so two WGHG staff members visited Aboriginal families

known to the Community Health Nurse, at their homes in Drouin to encourage participation. This resulted in 15 people attending on

Day 2. A home visit, letter or phone call to remind and familiarise families with the program occurred prior to the commencement

day of the program in April (Day 9). The development of trust and rapport between families and organisers facilitated a more

effective registration process. The success of the sports day in January and enthusiasm of participants to attend another sports

session influenced the organisers’ decision to run a sports day as the first session in April. This resulted in 27 children and 6 adults

attending and registering on the first session in April. Planning of adjusted registration procedure took into account the cultural and

time management characteristics of the target population. ‘Rolling’ registrations in January was challenging and time consuming

and in some cases caused disruptions to activities. At the beginning of the program in April, staff attempted to gain firm enrolments

for activities to be delivered later in program. This registration process was more successful; however the numbers of participants

attending the overnight trip were fluid until the bus left! The popularity of the first session in April meant that organisers were

adjusting catering requirements at short notice.

Consumer satisfaction:

Fishing was voted the most popular activity in the January program. Many of the children had not fished before, and given the

activity occurred at a trout farm, most children were successful in catching a fish. The participation of a male family member and

male staff from the trout farm facilitated active involvement by all the children. As with all activities, the interaction with program staff

and supportive community members provided excellent role models for the children involved. Good weather on Day 4 (swimming at

Drouin Pool) contributed to high attendances, with many members of the Aboriginal community spontaneously joining in for the

afternoon. Solid deck chairs were purchased for the program to allow the participants to enjoy the outdoors in comfort. Over 12

adults joined WGHG staff to sit in the shade after the pool was opened to the general public.


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The sports day was most popular single day activity in the April program. This was anticipated from the positive feedback from the

participants in January and yet the attendance was even higher than expected. News of the enjoyment of those attending the

January Sports day must have circulated around the community and this resulted in the high attendance. A visit from AFL

Aboriginal development squad and local badminton club were significant draw cards. Aboriginal Elders had played badminton in

their youth so they were able to play with their children and grandchildren, setting a great example.

Changed attitudes:

The Peppermint Ridge activities included a ‘Bush tucker walk’, a demonstration of the use of spears to hunt and story telling by

Elders. The Peppermint Ridge day was also very successful in providing some aspects of cultural history. Four Aboriginal

community Elders attended this day and conducted the bush food tour. Other younger adult Aboriginal participants indicated that

they were not previously familiar with much of this information and this day was a learning experience for them too. The

‘Cornucopia’ display, which shows respect and honour for the Aboriginal people, was well received. The wall display time line was

a graphic demonstration of how long Aboriginal people have inhabited Australia compared to non Aboriginal Australians. It also

demonstrated the demise of the landscape since white settlement.

“Please do it again, everyone had a great time and people got to do things they have never done before. I think they will

always remember that and thanks.”

“More cultural, need dancing and cultural activities”

The overnight cultural trip to East Gippsland was very popular. For many families, this was their first opportunity to travel with their

children and grandchildren to Lake Tyers Trust and introduce them to their ancestral and cultural history. Camping and fishing


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activities at ‘Mingling Waters’ were the most popular of the entire program as well as spending time with extended family. Time

spent with Elders, extended family and learning some local language was important in developing knowledge of culture.

The Vic Health Framework calls for programs and projects to address the social and economic determinants of mental and physical

health whilst the ‘Life is Health is Life’ Framework outlines ‘if people have a connection to country then the benefits may include

reduced risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes a more nutritious diet, greater participation in physical activity, and

improved self-esteem and identity’. Feedback from participating families indicates they felt more connected to their country after

attending the program and having the opportunity to visit places that were a special part of their childhood.

Comments from participants:

‘The time me and my children spent with my extended family has been so special. I feel so much more connected to my

culture than what I have felt in a long time – thanks so much’.

‘I’m sure the time my children had with their cousins was irreplaceable.’

‘The program has been successful for our own young group to learn about their ancestors’ country and to learn about Kurnai

culture - Also learning of healthy lifestyles’.

Going to Lake Tyers and Keeping Place ‘helped me understand family’.

‘I enjoyed the couple of days’.


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The Aboriginal family holiday program included drumming in their program in both January and April. This has provided a follow on

to the ‘DRUMBEAT’ program which was implemented at Drouin Primary School in 2011. The drumming activities have been

extremely popular and are gaining popularity in the community. WGHG staff has been requested to and is implementing the

‘DRUMBEAT’ program in a second Drouin primary school in 2012. WGHG staff also worked with the Koori Youth Group in

Warragul to prepare them for a performance at ‘Kurnai Dreaming Concert’ in late May 2012.

Improved Skills:

As with many children, there was some resistance to trying ‘healthier options’. The program encouraged the children to try new

foods and the majority enjoyed their choices. In April, a trivia quiz to identify and try new foods was incorporated into an Easter

hunt. This successfully encouraged experimentation with new food varieties for both participants and staff.

Healthy snacks and meals were provided at all sessions. All participants stated that they enjoyed the food provided and Elders

confirmed in family conversations it was good for the kids to eat well.

One particular family struggles with obesity and the community health nurse and community dietitian have worked with the boys

regarding healthy eating prior to their delivery of the DRUMBEAT program. This was in the form of a healthy afternoon tea. They

have begun to lose weight and were encouraged to make healthy choices during the holiday programs.

Collaboration and Partnerships:

The holiday program planning and implementation involved collaboration with several key stakeholders including WGHG, Close the

Gap local advisor committee, Baw Baw Shire Council, Committee from RDAC and GippSport throughout the whole program. Other

partnerships were formed when planning specific activities for the program. These smaller partnerships were with Peppermint


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Ridge Farm, Mingling Waters, Noojee Alpine Trout Farm and Warragul Bus lines. The overall management of the program was

facilitated and over seen by WGHG. The Drouin Aboriginal community’s relationship with the partner organisations was further

strengthened during this time. GippSport were pleased to be involved as they had tried to work with RDAC independently of

WGHG. This had not been very successful prior to the Close the Gap local advisory committee formation. The fact that RDAC

health workers from Drouin, SEWB worker, and Close the Gap project workers from Morwell and Sale had been involved at various

stages of the program, gave them an opportunity to get to know each other and open communication channels.

Key stakeholders feedback on program overall: “The holiday program was a successful program and WGHG should be congratulated and applauded for how the program was

run. GippSport felt privileged to be part of such a program, to facilitate a couple of sports days which gave the opportunity to the

community to experience sports they have not experienced was a highlight. The participants got to gain knowledge and skills and

try new sports which they all had a fantastic time at doing and hopefully will take up” (Program Officer, GippSport).

“I think all the two days we had in Drouin were great. The children really seemed to enjoy the sports. It was great to see them

enjoying the physical activities and they all really enjoyed the lunch. However, from a cultural point of view I have heard the camp

was excellent from the cultural perspective” (Program Officer, Close the Gap).

“The program has been great. The relationship with the organisation I believe has got stronger and the trust is stronger. The

culture and knowledge has benefit for our community/kids/Elders. I feel if we want services through these services we have to

have confidence to do so in a positive way” (Aboriginal Elder).


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“Just wanted to send a quick email and say thank you for all your hard work in preparation for today. I’m sure all that attended

today would agree it was a wonderful day and well worth the hard work and hours put in. It was fantastic to see so many people

attend and really enjoying themselves – they must have been so tired but they didn’t give up” (Program Officer, Close the Gap).

Enhanced social skills, self esteem and self efficacy: Overall, the feedback was excellent and barriers within the community were broken down. ‘Closing the Gap’ staff from RDAC, Sale

was present at most events and when they were not able to attend RDAC Drouin supplied staff. This provided an opportunity for

workers across the RDAC sites to get to know each other and get to know the community they are working with more closely in a

relaxed neutral environment

The development of trust between the Drouin Aboriginal community and program providers occurred over the program’s timeframe.

This trust is important for community members who may consider attending community programs such as community kitchens and

walking groups in the future. Elders have commented that they now feel that they can trust WGHG and know that we understand

and respect their culture. The drumming has encouraged grandmothers, uncles, aunties, mums and children to sit in the drum

circle and learn harmonies together. This is a metaphor on how to build relationships – to drum in harmony the group has to listen

to each other and respect each other’s rhythm.

Staff workload: Input from 3 WGHG staff as planned in original planning document was required. The submission process was very

comprehensive and time consuming. However the planning and structure was evident in the smooth delivery of the program. The

organisers worked long days as they need to constantly change and evaluate activities in response to participants’ needs and

feedback.


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Stakeholder involvement: A number of local business and community organisations supported this program both financially and in kind support (Appendix 5)

Feedback from the bus drivers was that they considered it a privilege to be included in the program and that they had learnt first

hand about Aboriginal culture. Donation and discounted goods were valuable contributions to the program from external suppliers.

This allowed the families to have portable seating and the children participate in activities such as fishing when on the overnight

camp. The donation of head lights, torches and cases were also used as encouragement awards.

Limitations of program:

This is the first time a program has been run for Aboriginal families in this area. Therefore the concept was new and the

community is scattered and difficult to contact. This made initial engagement difficult, but after rapport was established and

they understood the program, most were regular attendees.

At times the Aboriginal community may have experienced negative relationships when working with local service providers.

At times this client group may have considered other programs to be culturally insensitive. This may in part explain why the

community was hesitant to engage initially.

The changing commitment of the participants made making arrangement difficult when a set number of bookings were

required. When participants registered for the program, they indicated on which days they would attend. In reality they often

never participated on these days. This caused some alternative planning regarding catering and booking numbers for

accommodation at short notice.

There were only had 2 staff delivering the January component of the program. This was difficult as other work commitments

became secondary during this period.

Lessons Learnt during the program:

Flexibility is the key when working with indigenous communities


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In a large scale project like this thorough planning is vital for a successful program

Evaluation style needs to be appropriate for target group

There are divisions between family groups within the community so it was difficult to predict if there was going to be conflict if

both sides of the community attended. Therefore impartiality is vital when working with both sides of the community

5. Dissemination

Dissemination of the results from this program has been occurring early into the programs’ delivery.

In January and May newspaper articles were published in the local newspapers. (See Appendix 6)

Collages were made of photos from different days and these were enlarged, laminated and displayed on the last day of the January

program. This visual display showed newcomers what they had missed out on. This also aimed to cater for the visual storytelling

communications style of Aboriginal people. Colour photos of all the activities in January were also printed out, so participants could

make their own collages and laminate them. This activity took into account that many participants do not have cameras or the

opportunity to print out photos.

An article with a photograph was also submitted by WGHG staff to the ‘Australian Public Health Association June Newsletter

Intouch’ (See Appendix 7). A professionally produced DVD has been produced and this will be used to promote the program and

shared with partners. The DVD has been designed to appeal to an array of audiences. An abstract was also submitted to the

‘International Mental Health Nurse Conference’. (See Appendix 8)


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Budget: to be inserted.

SECTION THREE

Case study

To be completed once Debbie Mitchell has OKed this report – will be able to cut and paste sections for submission to PCP. AG has template for

this section


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APPENDIXES Appendix 1: Daily Attendance 2012 Day Service Providers Staff Adults Children

1. Enrolment day in civic park 2 WGHG – CHN and Dietician Staff went knocking on 7 doors SEWB worker RDAC canvassed likely families

4 0 0

2. Nangarra Reserve and Jindivick CC 2 WGHG 3 RDAC 1 GippSport

6 3 12

3. Bellbird Park Sports Day

2 WGHG 2 RDAC 1 GippSport 1 YMCA, 1 Active After School Commission Officer

7 2 8

4. Pool day 2 WGHG 2 RDAC 2 lifesavers

6 5 14

5. Best Start Day 2 WGHG 2 Best Start 2 RDAC

6 3 7

6. Peppermint Ridge Farm 3 WGHG – family counsellor came 2 RDAC 2 Bush Food tour leaders

7 5 11

7. Noojee Trout Farm

2 WGHG 1 RDAC 3 employees of trout farm assisted boys to bait up, take off hooks and prepare fish for eating

6 4 8

8. Art Day and evaluation 2 WGHG 1 art workshop facilitator 2 RDAC

5 4 17

9. Sports Day at Rec Reserve 3 WGHG 2 GippSport + workshop coaches (AFL, badminton, AASC) 2 RDAC

4 9 27


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Appendix 1: Daily Attendance 2012 continued Day Service Providers Staff Adults Children

10. Easter Activities Day 3 WGHG 2 RDAC 2 Dance workshop facilitators

6 6 22

11. Cultural Tour to East Gippsland 3 WGHG 1 Gippsport

4 10 18

12. Cultural Tour to East Gippsland 3 WGHG 1 Keeping Place tour guide

3 10 18

Average Total number 5.3 5 13.5


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Appendix 2: Most enjoyable day of each holiday program as indicated by participants

January School Holidays

Day 2 Nangara Reserve and Cricket Day 2

Day 3 Sports Day 1

Day 4 Pool Day 4

Day 5 Best Start Day 0

Day 6 Fishing at Trout Farm 8

Day 7 Peppermint Ridge Farm visit 8

Day 8 Art Day 1

April School Holidays

Day 9 Sports Day 12

Day 10 Easter Activities 2

Days 11 & 12 Overnight Cultural Tour to East Gippsland 21

Overall most popular day

Overnight Cultural Tour to East Gippsland

Most ‘successful’ day as indicated by staff

Overnight trip

Peppermint Ridge Day

Sports Day


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Appendix 3: Table of amended activities and commitment from stakeholders/partners January Program

Day Program

Partner Initial Commitment Changes During Program

Program changes

Additional Commitment

s

Commitments Not performed

Pre Program WGHG

Staff time to visit venues prior to booking/visit to ensure that facilities are safe for group and facilities (toilets etc) are available

Liaison with external stakeholders

Staff time for planning of days

Registration and media consent form in place

Data base set up

Funding of printing

Information delivery and advertising

Preparation of activities

Negotiated good price and collected drums

RDAC Staff time to attend the day and assistance with planning the program

Collecting Registration forms if they are dropped off

Design of logo for program paperwork

Assistance with planning the program


Drouin Aboriginal Advisory Group/ Community members

Advice on appropriateness of visit to locations with group


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Appendix 2: Table of amended activities and commitment from stakeholders/partners January Program continued

Day Program


Program changes Additional Commitme

nts


Day 1 Jan 9 Information day at Civic Park in Drouin

WGHG Staff time for planning and delivery of session

Funds for catering


Administer questionnaires

Delivery of Drumming session

Provision of First Aid Kit

Completed Registration and Media Consent Forms collected stored confidentially

Record attendee numbers

No attendees so staff visited homes of known aboriginal families and registered for following days activities No lunch supplied as no attendances.

Home visits to recruit participants


Supervision of children (community members)

Attendance

Attendance


Advice of activities for day

RDAC Staff time to attend the day and assistance with planning the program

Postage of information to community members


Printing of posters

Transport for community members to get to and from the park (if needed)

Advertising of information in centre


Printing of posters

Transport for community members to get to and from the park


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Day Program


Program changes


s


Day 2 Jan 12 Bus Trip to Nangara Reserve Jindivick and Jackson’s Track Healthy Lunch

WGHG Organise and fund catering

Staff time

Delivery of drumming session


Attendance recorded and database updated


Wet Weather caused day to end early

Drumming session not held (due to time constraints)


Support with delivery of cultural information and history of areas visited

Advice on cultural aspects of activities

Advice on appropriateness of visit to location for group

Attendance at sessions (when possible)


RDAC Staff time to attend day

Transport for people to get to and from the bus pick up points in Drouin


GippSport Staff time to attend and help with activities

Use of Sporting Equipment

Facilitate cricket match


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Day Program


Program changes


s


Day 3 Jan 13 Sports Day at Bellbird Park including family cricket game

WGHG Liaison with external stakeholders

Book bus

Staff time for assistance with delivery of activities

Funds for bus and catering

Organising and pick up catering



No Cricket was played to due other sports activities held on the day including

Hockey

Soccer

Basketball

Games

Bus not required on this day due to being held locally




Supervision of children (community members

RDAC Staff time to assist with sports day


GippSport Staff time to attend

Liaise with sport club representatives

Lead sports activities

Liaison with manager of Bellbird Park

Organise equipment for a range of sports for example: cricket, soccer, basketball, hockey, Indigenous games, depending on availability

Liaise with Active Afterschool coordinator to assist on day


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Day Program


Program changes


s


Day 4 Jan 18 Bush Tucker Walk Swimming at Wilson’s Prom.

WGHG Staff time for delivery of session

Funds for catering

Book and pick up catering



Attendance recorded

Venue changed to Drouin Outdoor Pool as pool employed life guards and pool was more culturally accepted in the community

Facilitation of water based games- cork scatter, dress up relay etc

Photos of activities taken

Catering was delivered.







RDAC Staff time to assist with sports day



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Day Program


Program changes

Additional Commitments


Day 5 Jan 19 No details in original plan

WGHG

Program incorporated this Best Start Screening day to be able to support local Aboriginal organisation to encourage health and education to community members. Changed overnight tour to April holidays.

Supported Best Start on Pre-school screening Day

WGHG Dietitian provided display about healthy eating for families with children starting kindergarten and school this year.

Organise and fund face painter

Fund healthy BBQ lunch



Attendance list updated and database update


RDAC Assisted on the day with support

cook BBQ Lunch

Participated in Drumming session


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Day Program


Program changes


s


Day 6 Jan 20 Bus Trip to Peppermint Ridge Farm and Cornucopia Living Heritage Centre Australian Native Foods and Garden Tour

WGHG Liaison with Peppermint Ridge Farm for tour of Cornucopia Living Heritage Centre and Native Bush Tucker Tour

Staff time for planning and delivery of session

Funds for catering




Attendance list updated and database update

Arranged and funded travel by Bus to Peppermint Ridge Farm

Family Counsellor attended. This enabled her to establish rapport with families informally




Advice on appropriateness of visit to location for group and attendance

Supervision of children

Attendance on day

Lead the Australian Native Foods and Garden Tour

Facilitated Native Bush Food and Garden Tour

RDAC Staff time to attend and help with day


Peppermint Ridge Farm & Cornucopia Living Heritage Centre

Discounted catering

Free tour of Heritage Centre

Guided Native Bush Food and Garden Tour

Tour of farm and feeding animals

Native Bush Food and Garden Tour


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Day Program


Program changes



Day 7 Jan 23 Alpine Trout Farm – Fishing Trip Noojee – ‘Catch, Cook and Eat’

WGHG Book and fund hire of fishing equipment & bait

Staff time delivery of day

Funds for catering





Book and fund Transportation to and from Noojee Trout Farm


Drouin Aboriginal Advisory Group Community members



Attendance at session (when possible)




RDAC Staff time to support day Assist children to fish

Assist to cook BBQ


GippSport Staff time to attend and help with fishing activities

Gippsport was not available on the day due to other commitments

Noojee Alpine Trout Farm

Provided tastings of smoked fish

Hire of equipment (rods, bait, BBQs, Shelters)

Staff time to support families catch a fish

Farm tour


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Day Program


Program changes Additional Commitments


Day 8 Jan 27

Visit to Robin Hood Swimming Hole

WGHG Staff time for planning and attendance

Funds for catering

Information delivery

Delivery of drumming session

Administer and collect post program questionnaire

Confidential storage of participants information




Visit to Robin Hood Swimming Hole – (not done as seen as antisocial venue by community and swimming done another day) Changed to Art day in park Drumming

Healthy Lunch - roast chicken and salads and fruit

Purchased and supplied art equipment and t-shirts

Assist participants to complete post program questionnaire verbally

Printed off collages made from photos of past days

Provided photos and equipment for children to make their own collages

Drouin Aboriginal Advisory Group/Community members






RDAC Staff time to assist with sports day Transport for people to get to and from the bus pick up points in Drouin

GippSport

Staff time to attend planning sessions and attend to help with session

Not available on Day


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Appendix 4: Table of amended activities and commitment from stakeholders/partners April Program

Day Program


Program changes



Day 9 April 2 Information day at Civic Park in Drouin Registrations, Consent & Pre Program Questionnaire (April) Healthy BBQ lunch the park Drumming session

WGHG



Funds for catering

Printing of forms and information flyers






Registration and Media Consent Forms collected and stored securely

Attendance list collected and data base updated

Changed to Sports Day at Recreation Reserve as sports day in January program was so successful Lunch menu changed to sandwiches and wraps/fruit

Preparation of additional catering due to large enrolment numbers

Questionnaires not delivered due to change in evaluation procedure

Drumming session was not conducted due to time restraints


Attendance at sessions


RDAC Present on Day Gippsport Staff time to attend

sports day – coordination of sports activities and arrangements and coaches


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Appendix 4: Table of amended activities and commitment from stakeholders/partners April Program continued

Day Program


Program changes



Day 10 April 5 Hip Hop dance session Easter Egg Hunt and Easter Egg Painting in the Park Drumming Session Healthy BBQ Lunch

WGHG

Liaison with and arrange dance workshop facilitator


Funds for catering/Easter eggs and paint and eggs for painting






Attendance list collected and data base updated

Lunch menu: Roast chicken and salad, fruit

Arrange Easter egg hunt

Fund and supply craft activities







RDAC Staff time to attend and help with day


Assist supervise craft activities

Community College Gippsland

Provision of Music player

Dance workshop facilitator


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Staff time Appendix 4: Table of amended activities and commitment from stakeholders/partners April Program continued

Day Program


Program changes



Day 11 & 12 April 12 Overnight Day 1 Cultural Tour East Gippsland Visit to Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust - Reconnection with Country Drumming Session Overnight at Mingling Waters Camp Park – Nowa Nowa April 13 Overnight Day 2 Visit to ‘The Keeping Place’

WGHG


Information delivery


Liaison with bus company and driver

Focus group with group on activities to date



Attendance recorded and confidential storage of participants information


Attendance recorded

Funds for catering and accommodation (if needed

Lunch at Lake Tyers Trust and tour with locals

Additional activities: campfire stories Fishing at Mingling Waters Language session with Elders Visit to Lakes Entrance Beach (significant to Elders) and The Knob

Evaluation

Photo and video documentation

Focus group was not undertaken. A video was recorded of comments from each person and what they had learnt in trip.







Facilitated language session with children

Assisted children with fishing

RDAC Funds catering/accommodation

Staff time to attend and assist with

Arranged lunch delivery at Keeping

No funds for accommodation required


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Bairnsdale

activities

Family transport to/from bus

Place Transport to/from the bus pick up points in Drouin


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Appendix 4: Table of amended activities and commitment from stakeholders/partners April Program continued

Day Program


Program changes



Gippsport Sourced and purchased discounted fishing equipment

Assisted setting up rods, baiting and demonstrating casting to children


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Appendix 5: External Stakeholders/Businesses and contributions

Peppermint Ridge Farm Hire of premises and discount on food purchased

Mingling Waters Camp Park – Nowa Nowa

Discount on accommodation, catering

Krowathunkooloong Keeping Place Staff time to take group on tour of the Krowathunkooloong Keeping Place, discounted entry rates

Alpine Trout Farm Discount on fishing equipment

Nowa Nowa Hotel Overflow accommodation

Traralgon BCF Discount on fishing equipment

Warragul Bus Lines Hire of Buses

Lakes Tyres Aboriginal Trust Staff time to take group on tour of the trust

Peppermint Ridge Farm and Cornucopia Living Heritage Centre

Discount on catering and free tour of Heritage Centre

Aussie Disposals Warragul Heavily discounted chairs; donated torches, cases, headlamps for the children

Get lost Camping Sleeping bag liners at discounted rates

Two Cooks Catering Provided catering most days, very accommodating for dietary instructions

Baw Baw Shire Hire of hall and pool. Staff provided at these venues

Best Start Program Supported them on their screening day, they returned the favour and supported our programmed days following


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Appendix 6: Newspaper

articles submitted to local

papers January and April


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Submitted to Warragul Gazette April 2012 A highlight of an Aboriginal Family School Holiday Program, hosted by West Gippsland Healthcare Group during the April school

holidays, was an overnight visit to the Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust in East Gippsland by more than 35 local adults and children.

With its many cultural and ancestral ties, participants enjoyed fishing at Lake Tyers and an evening drumming session around the

campfire at the Mingling Waters Bush Retreat.

On the return trip, the families visited ‘Krowathunkooloong Keeping Place’ in Bairnsdale and ‘The Knob’ in Stratford. Both these

locations have significant cultural and educational importance to the indigenous community.

Healthy eating and active recreation is a focus of the program. Other activities enjoyed these holidays included a sports day and

active recreation offering indigenous games, an AFL football clinic and badminton. Hip–hop dancing and an active Easter egg hunt

were also popular.

West Gippsland Healthcare Group Health Promotion Officer, Angela Greenall, said, “Feedback from the families was very positive

with participants enjoying the program being tailored to their indigenous culture.”

This is the second successful program conducted this year with the first program hosted in the January school holidays. The

program was funded as a once off grant by the Department of Health


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.

Members of the local Aboriginal community enjoyed

a school holiday program hosted by West Gippsland

Healthcare Group during the April holidays. Pictured

are participants prior to boarding the bus for the return

trip back from the Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust.


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Appendix 7: Article and photograph printed the ‘Australian Public Health Association June Newsletter Intouch’ by WGHG staff.

Connecting Indigenous Families to Health, Culture and to Country

Authors: Angela Greenall- Health Promotion Officer, Alyce Rees- Community Dietitian and Cindy Mathers- Community Health Nurse. West

Gippsland Healthcare Group.

West Gippsland Healthcare Group (WGHG) has successfully completed the second phase of its Aboriginal Family Holiday Program. This

program, hosted over 12 days during the January and April school holidays; aimed to build a culturally appropriate model to improve the social

and emotional wellbeing, nutrition, physical activity, and facilitate behavioural lifestyle changes for Aboriginal families.

Throughout the program, WGHG workers consulted and engaged with the Drouin Aboriginal Advisory Group of Elders and partnered with local

organisations to plan and deliver a series of culturally appropriate activities that met the needs of the Indigenous community of Drouin.

During the January holidays, highlights of the program included a ‘Bush Tucker’ day, a fishing day and sports day. The ‘Bush tucker tour’ was

guided by local community elders and included a demonstration of the use of spears to hunt and storytelling. This day was also very

successful in providing aspects of cultural history.

“Please do it again, everyone had a great time and people got to do things they have never done before. I think they will always

remember that and thanks” was the response of one participant.

Fishing was voted the most popular activity in the January program. Many of the children had not fished before and most children were

successful in catching a fish. The participation of male family members and staff from the trout farm facilitated active involvement by all the

children. As with all activities, the interaction with program staff and supportive community members provided excellent role models for the

children involved.


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The sports days were also popular activities in the January and April programs. News of the enjoyment of those attending the January sports

day must have circulated around the community and this resulted in a very high attendance in April. A visit from an AFL Victoria Indigenous

officer was a significant draw card.

During April, up to 40 children and adults were involved in indigenous games, an AFL clinic and badminton. Hip – Hop dancing and an active

Easter egg hunt were also popular. But undoubtedly the highlight of the program was an overnight trip to East Gippsland. The Aboriginal

families visited the Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust, which has many cultural and ancestral ties to the Drouin Community. The children enjoyed

fishing at Lake Tyers, and a drumming session around the campfire in the evening, during their overnight stay. On the return trip, the families

visited ‘Krowathunkooloong Keeping Place’, an Aboriginal Cultural museum collection of artefacts in Bairnsdale and ‘The Knob’ in Stratford.

Both these locations have significant cultural and educational importance to the indigenous community. A community Elder reported, “The

program has been successful for our own young group to learn about their ancestors’ country and to learn about Kurnai culture - Also learning

of healthy lifestyles”.

Feedback from the participating families indicated they felt more connected to their country after attending the program and having the

opportunity to visit places they were removed from as children. One participant shared, “The time me and my children spent with my extended

family has been so special. I feel so much more connected to my culture then what I have felt in a long time – thanks so much’. ‘I’m sure the

time my children had with their cousins was irreplaceable.’

The development, planning and implementation of this program resulted in significant partnerships between local healthcare providers,

Aboriginal community groups and businesses. Overall the program has been evaluated to be very successful in terms of numbers of families

attending, exposure to healthy eating options and active sports, connection to country and development of relationships within the local

Indigenous community and the wider community.


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Caption: Young Aboriginal men reconnecting with culture


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Appendix 8

An abstract was submitted to ‘The Fabric of Life’ 38th International Mental Health Nurse Conference, in Darwin Title: Strengthening the Threads of Community (poster presentation) Cindy Mathers, Community Health Nurse, Alyce Rees, Community Dietitian, Michelle Ellwell, Health Promotion Officer, West Gippsland

Healthcare Group, Warragul, Victoria.

Aim This will be a multimedia presentation demonstrating our organisation’s engagement of the local Aboriginal community and their health care

service in order to enhance social connectedness, emotional and physical wellbeing.

Content This is the story of a community health service that changed its practice to engage the local Aboriginal community and their health service

through a diverse range of programs. The thread started with the Koorie Engagement Support Officer (KESO) requesting assistance with a

group of ‘at risk’ girls. As a result Look Ya Best was developed and delivered. This was followed by a request to work with ‘at risk’ boys, the

CHN learnt to facilitate DRUMBEAT and ran a very successful program with the boys. The families appreciated our work with the young

people and we then included them in a family holiday program for the local Aboriginal families. This provided opportunities for reconnection to

country and culture. Proving our service was worthy of trust enabled our counsellors, diabetic educator and the dietitian to strengthen their ties

with the community and deliver services from their service. Our health promotion officer and CHN delivered the Living Strong program to the

Aboriginal Health Workers in order to upskill them. We have woven ourselves into their community over a two year period, provided six

programs or services in a culturally safe manner. According to VicHealth “life is health is life” is the definition of health to Aboriginal people. It is

all interwoven and a holistic approach is required to effectively work with this population. (253)

Keywords: culturally safe, holistic approach, social connectedness, emotional and physical wellbeing.

aboriginal family holiday program evaluation report … · aboriginal family holiday program...

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