Project Summary
Climate change is affecting the wellbeing of Australians in many ways, with particularly significant impacts for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Wellbeing for many Indigenous communities is deeply connected to Country, meaning climate‑driven changes to land and sea can have profound cultural, social, and emotional consequences.
This HEAL innovation project builds on an established partnership between the Melythina Tiakana Warrana Aboriginal Corporation, the National Environmental Science Program, and the University of Tasmania. Using a wellbeing framework co‑created with the Tebrakunna community in north‑east Tasmania, the project will examine how climate change is impacting community‑defined areas of wellbeing and support the development of locally relevant climate adaptation strategies.
The Tebrakunna region is experiencing rapid environmental change. Ocean warming is threatening culturally important marine species and practices, while shifting seasons on land are affecting cultural burning and food harvesting. By applying a community‑led wellbeing framework, this project offers a culturally appropriate and innovative approach to understanding climate impacts, strengthening community capacity, and supporting Aboriginal leadership in climate adaptation research.
Part 1 of 3 – Changes to Country, Changes to Wellbeing
Project Team
Chief Investigators
Chief Investigator University of Tasmania
Chief Investigator Macquarie University
Co-Investigators
- Rob Anders – University of Tasmania
- Dr Kate Sollis – University of Tasmania
- A/Prof Veronica Matthews – University of Sydney
- Dr Jenny Styger – University of Tasmania