Learning Network - July Lunchbox Session

Barkly Community Researchers: continuing to work in the Middle Space - a case study for youth voice

Overview of the Session:  

Back by popular demand, the ChangeFest Learning Network is very pleased to be welcoming back the Barkly Community Researchers.

When we last heard from them, the Community Researchers had just started on their journey of working in the Middle Space. They told a compelling story of how important it is to take time to understand the place and the people, including the importance of truth-telling, deep listening, and respect.

Since then, the team has been using their middle space approach to better understand the needs of young people in Tennant Creek. At this session, they will share Indigenous ways of research that includes:

• Collects data from a variety of sources bringing in the strengths of all; 

• Puts community voice, and in this case young people, at the centre; and 

• Making sure research activities and community voice leads to real change and action.  

The youth case study developed from the work of the researchers is now giving young people a voice and deciding how $3 million from the Barkly Regional Deal could be spent to support youth on the streets at night.

All are welcome. Register now and be part of the movement.   

About the presenters 

The BB Community Researchers started in August 2024. We are local Wumpurani (Aboriginal) people from Tennant Creek and other communities in the Barkly. We work as a team to give local people a voice and to improve everyone’s understanding of the challenges, strengths and opportunities of living in this region. With a range of stakeholders, together we are learning more about what works and doesn’t work for our communities. The Barkly Community Researchers are:

Athena Plummer; KW (Kenny Williams); Valerie Curtis; Cheredith Nemo; with Lucy McGarry (MEL Coordinator)

About the Learning Network

The ChangeFest Learning Network is a regular opportunity for all of us across the ChangeFest Movement to share practice and learn, to connect and build, and to take a deep breath and reflect. It will provide us all with the space to listen and hear from each other in ways that will help us in our own work for community-led system change – whether it be in communities, government, large for purpose organisations and businesses.

Learning Network Lunchbox Sessions are usually held from 12.30 – 2pm (AEST) and are designed to be “easy for you to contribute, simple for us to hold, meaningful for us all to be part of.” Each event will be free and provide opportunity to explore practices and stories of community led change – and an opportunity to connect with each other across the ChangeFest Movement.