We are thrilled to announce the six successful recipients of this year’s Impact Funding. Heartfelt congratulations to all the recipients. This round was highly competitive with a large pool of applicants, making their selection particularly noteworthy. Their dedication to advancing their respective fields and projects is truly inspiring. Well done to all.
To identify the caregiving support needs of neurodivergent parents, including the educational needs of nurses.
Catina will lead a co-designed project to explore the caregiving experiences and support needs of neurodivergent parents, collaborating with Maternal and Child Health (MCH) nurses. Despite the high prevalence of ADHD and autism in Australia, little is known about the parenting support these parents require. Through focus groups and interviews, the project will generate new knowledge about neurodivergent-inclusive MCH nursing practices, aiming to develop practice guidelines, resources for nurses, and enhance MCH nursing curricula. This project aims to improve the capacity of nurses and healthcare practitioners to provide inclusive support, ultimately enhancing the well-being of neurodivergent parents and their families.
Identity program for young men from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds
Kate plans to pilot a group identity program for young men from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds involved in the youth justice system. This program, adapted from the evidence-based ‘Ether’ program in the UK, aims to reduce youth justice involvement by fostering positive self-identities and connecting participants with community mentors. The program aims to address the complex interplay between cultural minority status and youth behaviour, and includes discussions on fatherhood, emotional intelligence, and healthy masculinity.
To bring home the spirits of fallen Aboriginal soldiers from World War 1.
Joseph aims to travel extensively across capital cities and regional areas of New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, Australian Capital Territory, South Australia, and Western Australia to meet with universities, museums, war memorials, and most importantly, the families of Aboriginal soldiers who fell during World War 1. Inspired by his previous journeys to Belgium, France, and England where he documented 68 Aboriginal soldiers’ graves and 23 names on memorials, Joseph seeks to reunite descendants with their ancestors’ legacies. His project focuses on repatriating photographs of these soldiers’ final resting places, aiming to honour their memory and reconnect their families with their lost histories.
To produce the podcast ‘Leading Notes’ on singing leadership for social connection
Melissa plans to produce a podcast called ‘Leading Notes,’ highlighting how singers and singing teachers utilise leadership skills to foster social connection through group singing. Drawing from her experience as a singing teacher and community singing practitioner, particularly with people with Parkinson’s, and as a researcher on singing’s wellness benefits, Melissa believes group singing has significant potential to combat social disconnection in Australia. The podcast will feature conversations with singing group facilitators, aiming to inspire more singers and teachers to lead health-promoting community singing interventions and encourage broader participation in singing for social well-being.
Developing a national set of human rights compliant, culturally appropriate monitoring standards for police custody
Andreea will collaborate with Australian National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) bodies, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), and Aboriginal people to develop national, human rights-compliant, and culturally appropriate police custody standards to support future Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT) work. While various oversight bodies have created prison standards, there is a critical gap in police custody standards across jurisdictions. This is urgent, as international studies show a higher risk of torture in police custody than in prisons. However, NPM bodies lack resources and sufficient funding. With the overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in police custody, consulting with ACCOs is essential for effective torture prevention efforts.
To develop an impact measurement framework and tool for The Humour Foundation Laughter Care program.
David’s project aims to develop a customized framework and tool to measure the impact of The Humour Foundation’s Laughter Care program, with the objective of expanding its reach. Drawing on strong research evidence of the program’s general effectiveness, the customised tool will validate and articulate resident experiences, health outcomes, and benefits to staff, carers, and families in aged care facilities. It will provide essential data to support organisations in implementing the program, offering regular impact reports to facilities and funders. Collaborating with experts in measurement framework development, David will refine the program based on findings specific to each facility, ensuring its effectiveness and facilitating informed decisions for program implementation.
For further information about the Impact Funding program and to learn how it can support your project, please contact us directly.