Jawuñ Research Centre

Jawuñ is a Dyirbal word with origins in Far North Queensland. The word names a style of weaving and a dilly bag that is unique in the world. As an organising metaphor and name for research, Jawuñ represents in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ language the collective purpose and vision of the Research Centre. It also represents what we do as a collective and a hub of like-minded researchers in social and emotional wellbeing, resilience and empowerment research. Like a dilly bag, our collective purpose in the communities we work with and serve, is to hold a research space woven from our relationships with each other and with place. Jawuñ Research Centre is expanding to become a flagship for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research at CQUniversity and across Australia. The Centre focusses on community-led and informed projects that offer accelerated opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, now and for future generations. The approach to research is strength-based, collaborative, participatory and reciprocal, with leading researchers working in: » youth mental health and social and emotional wellbeing » disaster management and public health » process, impact and economic evaluation » community place-based priorities » language, communication and cultural wellbeing.

Jawuñ’s strength is based on the long-standing relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations, and with government agencies, public health services and industry. Through engagement and concentration of research activity, Jawuñ researchers have been awarded multiple grants from the Australia Research Council, National Health and Medical Research Council, Queensland Government and others. One such partnership is the groundbreaking project with Gurriny Yealamucka Health Service, Apunipima Cape York Health Council and Deadly Inspiring Youth Doing Good (DIYDG) to investigate community models and pathways to youth mental healthcare during COVID-19.