“Dead or Deadly makes me feel healthy and fit”: Findings from an Aboriginal Women’s Health and Wellbeing Program within the Shoalhaven Region of New South Wales, Australia

This paper presents the findings of research undertaken in relation to the Dead or Deadly program at the Waminda South Coast Women’s Health and Welfare Aboriginal Corporation in the Shoalhaven Region of southern New South Wales, Australia. The research was conducted as part of the wider Shoalhaven Koori Women’s Study (SKWS), which explored Aboriginal women’s health and wellbeing, and was conducted within a critical Indigenist framework. This enabled Aboriginal women to be engaged in a process which was empowering and was embedded in the political reality of Aboriginal women’s lives along with privileging their voices as Aboriginal women. Data included semi-structured interviews with 30 Indigenous women living in the region, case studies, background materials, and the results of an evaluation undertaken by the University of Wollongong in partnership with Waminda. A consultative process with Waminda’s Research Committee ensured that analysis and interpretation of the data was conducted through dialogue and reflection. The research found that Deadly or Deadly has led to positive changes in clients’ health and wellbeing, including their physical health, employment, self-esteem, family, education and strengthening of cultural identity and connection.