The social and cultural context of disability in the Solomon Islands: Identifying culturally appropriate solutions to disadvantage. "1.International relations. This research promotes Australia's relations with Pacific nations by strengthening the Solomons sole disabled peoples organisation and the Ministry of Health's Community-Based Rehabilitation Program through action-based training, provincial and local level networking.
2.Capacity-building. By better understanding people's experiences of d ....The social and cultural context of disability in the Solomon Islands: Identifying culturally appropriate solutions to disadvantage. "1.International relations. This research promotes Australia's relations with Pacific nations by strengthening the Solomons sole disabled peoples organisation and the Ministry of Health's Community-Based Rehabilitation Program through action-based training, provincial and local level networking.
2.Capacity-building. By better understanding people's experiences of disability, this research assists Australia's NGOs and government agencies to better formulate effective domestic and international solutions.
3. Social equity. By identifying solutions to disability-based discrimination, this research contributes to greater social equity and harmony, both critical in a context of heightened environmental risk and economic uncertainty."Read moreRead less
Negotiating alternative economic strategies for regional development in Indonesia and the Philippines. In the context of recent decentralization of government functions in Indonesia and the Philippines this action research project will test an innovative model of partnership between four communities and local government units aimed at generating new pathways for regional development. Community-based researchers and local government workers will map the social and economic transactions and assets ....Negotiating alternative economic strategies for regional development in Indonesia and the Philippines. In the context of recent decentralization of government functions in Indonesia and the Philippines this action research project will test an innovative model of partnership between four communities and local government units aimed at generating new pathways for regional development. Community-based researchers and local government workers will map the social and economic transactions and assets of each local region as a step towards mobilizing these people-centred resources in alternative livelihood projects. Innovative strategies that build upon indigenous and local capacities for sustainable development of a diverse community economy will be explored and implemented.Read moreRead less
Rebuilding Sustainable Communities: Assessing Post-Tsunami Resettlement Projects in Sri Lanka and India. It is in the interests of Australia and nations in our regions to improve strategic responses to natural disasters. In addition to their catastrophic short-term effects, disasters sharply reduce employment and output and strain limited state capacity, increasing poverty and inhibiting the prospects for longer-term economic growth and social stability. The development of measures which suppor ....Rebuilding Sustainable Communities: Assessing Post-Tsunami Resettlement Projects in Sri Lanka and India. It is in the interests of Australia and nations in our regions to improve strategic responses to natural disasters. In addition to their catastrophic short-term effects, disasters sharply reduce employment and output and strain limited state capacity, increasing poverty and inhibiting the prospects for longer-term economic growth and social stability. The development of measures which support the effective rebuilding of social structures and economic activity is key to minimising adverse outcomes. By enriching our understanding of how best to support sustainable resettlement programs, the study responds to the national research priority goal of 'Safeguarding Australia: understanding our region and the world'. Read moreRead less
Contested Landscapes and Divided Communities. The Struggle for Place and Belonging in Papua New Guinea. PNG, as Australia's nearest neighbour and major recipient of Australian foreign aid, is facing major challenges including a weakening state capacity to govern, a breakdown in civil society and escalating law and order problems. These processes, which led to civil conflict in Fiji and Solomon Islands, for example, remain largely misunderstood. Nevertheless, such events have major implications f ....Contested Landscapes and Divided Communities. The Struggle for Place and Belonging in Papua New Guinea. PNG, as Australia's nearest neighbour and major recipient of Australian foreign aid, is facing major challenges including a weakening state capacity to govern, a breakdown in civil society and escalating law and order problems. These processes, which led to civil conflict in Fiji and Solomon Islands, for example, remain largely misunderstood. Nevertheless, such events have major implications for our region's political and economic security. By generating a greater understanding of the contexts and factors contributing to these tensions the project will contribute to better informed policy making by the Australian government, especially in the area of international assistance.Read moreRead less