Final Report: Strengthening Community Research in ... - Ninti One

5. Recommendations to Wurla NyintaThis section of the report brings together findings from the first research topic on Safer Driving (research cycles 1.1 and1.2 [Lovell et al. 2011]) together with initial findings from the second research topic (Stage 1) on CommunityPerceptions of Governance (Lovell et al. 2012 and reported in section 4.6).In keeping with the principles of PAR methods – that is, a process that engages partners (the community andresearchers) in investigation, education and actions that lead to social transformation – the Ntaria CommunityResearchers selected research actions from the LIP priorities that identified both Wurla Nyinta and thecommunity as the lead agency (refer to section 5.1 for specific discussion of these LIP action items[Commonwealth of Australia 2010, pp. 41–45]).The Safe Driving Survey was the first research topic undertaken for the Ntaria: Strengthening Community Researchin Remote Service Delivery project. In keeping with the cyclical nature of PAR (see section 2.1.1), the research teamthen completed a second cycle of research (Vehicle Safety Focus Groups) to further inform the Safe Driving Surveyresults.The second research topic, Community Perceptions of Governance (section 4.6), was designed and initiated inresponse to conversations with Wurla Nyinta members. Consideration and reflection of the initial results from thissurvey was delivered to Wurla Nyinta in March 2012 noting that a full second research cycle would not becompleted due to exhausted funding for the project.The research findings and recommendations demonstrate a formative step towards a local governance andleadership style that reflects the strengths of Arrarnta culture and language in Ntaria. Each of the two researchprojects (Safe Driving and Community Perceptions of Governance) identified recommendations relating to actionsidentified under Ntaria’s LIP priorities and the LIP review process as led by the local community and WurlaNyinta.5.1 Association of research recommendations to LIP actions5.1.1 Research Cycle 1.1 Safe Driving Survey (June 2011)LIP Activity. Economic Participation Priority 2: The working-age population has the depth and breadth of skillsand capabilities required to enter the labour market (Commonwealth of Australia 2010, pp. 42–44)Strategy 2.1: Ntaria residents acquire the skills required to find and take up jobs.Action 2.1.7 Ntaria community members learn safe driving practices, access driver training and acquire driver’slicences.The LIP update for September 2011 shows this action as in progress. “Community researchers have undertaken asurvey of driving practices and reported results to LRG. Next stage will be focus group discussions to create strategiesto improve licencing and driver safety. Recommendation will be made to LRG for their consideration.”Outcome: Recommendations were made to the LRG in the first cycle progress report, particularly requesting thatdisqualified drink driver licence training be undertaken at Ntaria. This training occurred at Tjuwanpa OutstationResource Centre in November 2011. Individuals who undertook the course were all men. Additionally, the police,with the MacDonnell Shire Council, undertook to compile a list of people requiring driving licences and the shirehas delivered training required to its staff.