About The Kimberley Institute (KI)
The Kimberley Institute Limited is a not for profit organisation conceived in 2006 by local Kimberley leaders who recognised the need for the establishment of an independent think tank which could assist and facilitate core activities relating to:
- undertaking and applying research
- developing and analysing policy
- undertaking and supporting political engagement
- seeking and supporting partnerships for outcomes
After extensive cross-sector consultations, KI was established in 2008 in Broome, Western Australia. Since its inception, KI has facilitated and managed the implementation of a number of capacity and value-building research projects through ongoing collaborative partnerships in areas of significant international, national and local importance. This work, in addition to practical and capacity building support of community-based organisation’s provided by KI – occurs within the vision of building an inclusive regional society which supports the social, cultural, spiritual and economic well-being of Kimberley people.
Projects include:
‘Community Well-Being From the Ground Up: a Yawuru Example’ 2016
Kimberley Institute (KI), Yawuru, Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research (CAEPR) at the Australian National University (ANU), Bankwest Economic Centre at Curtin University, Nagala Jarndu
Development of well-being indicators as defined by Yawuru people, according to their values and beliefs. Following the settlement of Native Title and the self-determination that follows, it is necessary to understand whether or not policies and practice changes are improving Yawuru well-being. This has potential to be a model for other PBC’s in other regions.
‘The Broome Model’: Collaborative Investment Partnership (Collective Impact) – ongoing
Kimberley Institute (KI), Shell Australia, Ernst & Young, LotteryWest +25 community organisation’s
In 2013, KI began the facilitation of a collaborative cross-sector partnership involving over 25 local organisation’s, Shell Australia, Ernst & Young and LotteryWest; to develop a place-based shared outcome measurement tool. The Broome Model is an exciting and innovative Social Impact mechanism which has been used to demonstrate appropriate community responses and effective mitigation strategies to social concerns; in addition to improved efficiencies and cost-savings when utilising shared outcome processes and methodologies.
‘Kimberley Knowledge Partnership’- ongoing
- Long standing partnership with Kimberley Institute and the Northern Australia Land and Sea Management Alliance
- Collaborative Research Network (CRN) partnership between KI, University of Western Australia, Australian National University (ANU), University of Notre Dame Australia; in the development of research capacity in the Kimberley region
‘Knowing our Community: Yawuru Household and Population Survey’ 2011
Kimberley Institute (KI), Nyamba Buru Yawuru (NBY), Australian National University (ANU)
Outcomes/impact of study
- Individual, family and community social and economic capacity-building e.g. transition pathways and further training and work opportunities
- Ongoing cross-sector community relationship-building
- NBY access to necessary demographic statistics utlized in the development of organisation programs e.g. Yawuru housing scheme
- Data is utilised to inform broader cross-sector policy planning for both Yawuru-specific and non-Yawuru programs
- An ongoing demand for similar surveys from other Prescribed Body Corporates (PBC’s).
Yawuru Hospitality Strategy, 2009
Kimberley Institute (KI), Nyamba Buru Yawuru (NBY), Australian Government
- Development of a concept plan facility in Broome for Indigenous visitors and homeless people in Broome.
- Multifaceted design incorporating access to programs delivered by not-for-profit service providers
- Broader strategy exploring response to homelessness and overcrowding in Broome
“Wings to Fly; Our World, Our Place, Our Future ” Indigenous Youth Leadership Forum, 2009
Jodie Bell, Goolarri Media……. ‘people who went through those programs have gone on to work in government and communities – the program really helped with this.’
Stephen Bamba Albert, Aboriginal Leader … ‘yes there is positive feedback from the youth that we cared – we know that they have gone on to do better things’.