Research into the lived experiences of Australian South Sea Islander people, including levels of disadvantage (DES1231850)

Principal Investigator

This contract research will explore lived experiences of Australian South Sea Islander people, including levels of disadvantage, using an exploratory qualitative research methodology and methods to build upon existing ABS data (including Index of Relative Socio-Economic Disadvantage), peer-reviewed literature and reports. The Queensland Government (Department of Environment and Science) in partnership with Multicultural Affairs Queensland are working with the Queensland United Association of South Sea Islander Communities (QUASSIC) to understand the experiences of Queensland South Sea Islanders. There is a lack of current and relevant data to evidence how it is to live as a South Sea Islander in Queensland. The President and of QUASSIC and the Research Lead of the QUASSIC Research Institute approached Redman-MacLaren (PI) to submit this application. The study will identify and analyse existing data to inform the design, implementation and reporting of an exploratory, qualitative study to answer the research question: What are the lived experiences of Australian South Sea Islander people in two regional Queensland communities, including levels of disadvantage? Informed by the Melanesian-developed Tok Stori research methodology, multigenerational family interviews will be facilitated by emerging South Sea Islander researcher, Ms Zia Quakawoot, with South Sea Islander families in Rockhampton and Bundaberg. These communities have been chosen as current health research is occurring in Mackay region (large SSI community) and we wish to explore a broad range of experiences while reducing risk of research fatigue. The stages of the research will be: 1) community engagement in Rockhampton and Bundaberg to ensure community support; 2) multigenerational family stories (min. n=8; approx. 24 people); participatory data analysis (with Quakawoot & QUASSIC leaders); Community meetings to discuss findings & recommendations; and 4) report submitted to Qld Govt.

05 Apr 2024 - 02 May 2025

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