Yarning About Yarning in Research in-person workshop
Description
Our Lowitja Learning Summit returns on Tuesday 18 August 2026 (8:30am–3pm) when Professor Dawn Bessarab, a proud Bard/Yindjibarndi woman and renowned Indigenous researcher and educator, will deliver the 'Yarning About Yarning in Research' workshop in-person on Whadjuk Noongar Boodja in Boorloo (Perth), Western Australia.
Learn from Professor Bessarab in this engaging, practical workshop on Yarning as a research method. A highly regarded and sought-after leader in Indigenous methodologies and participatory action research, Professor Bessarab developed the framework on research Yarning as an Indigenous conversation, which is now widely applied across the Australian and International communities. She has championed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous researchers to build their capacity to deliver high-impact research.
Following the workshop (at Burswood on Swan), attendees and Lowitja Institute members and friends are invited to stay for a dedicated Networking Event from 3–4:45pm at the same venue. This informal gathering provides an opportunity to connect, share knowledge, strengthen relationships, and reflect on the day's learnings.
We'd love for you to join us for the networking event. If you plan to attend, please select the 'Boorloo (Perth) Networking Event' add-on when registering. Registering for the add-on is essential to assist us with catering and event planning.
The workshop is open to Lowitja Institute members and friends (or those who have applied to join our Members Community).
Register now to secure your place where you will gain the knowledge and skills to:
• understand and apply different types of research Yarning
• develop effective Yarning prompt questions and guides
• explore Yarning circles and the role of storytelling in research
• embed cultural safety when using Yarning as a research method.
Whether you are a researcher, practitioner, student, or community worker, this workshop will provide valuable insights into culturally responsive and Indigenous research approaches.
When
Workshop
Tuesday 18 August 2026, 9am–3pm, arrive from 8:30am
Networking Event
Tuesday 18 August 2026, 3pm–4:45pm
Please note all times are in AWST.
Where
Burswood on Swan, 1 Camfield Dr, Burswood WA 6100
Your commitment to attend
Lowitja Institute is committed to offering events free of charge to support accessibility and community participation. Submitting a registration lets us know you’re able to attend and helps us plan accordingly. As places are limited, registering helps ensure opportunities are shared fairly across the community. If your plans change, please cancel your ticket so someone else can take up the opportunity.
Travel
Please note that attendees are responsible for arranging and covering the cost of their own travel and accommodation. While we are pleased to offer this event free of charge, Lowitja Institute is unable to provide travel assistance or reimburse travel-related expenses.
If you have any questions about this event, or if your attendance changes, please email us at members@lowitja.org.au
Presenter
Professor Dawn Bessarab
Professor Dawn Bessarab is a senior social worker with an extensive background in Indigenous Health Research and working with Indigenous peoples and communities across Australia. Dawn is descended from the Bard (West Kimberley) and Yindijibarndi (Pilbara) language groups. She is well known for her expertise in qualitative and Indigenous research methodologies and the development of research and clinical yarning as an Indigenous form of conversation. Dawn has a strong background in the capacity building of Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers and students. Dawn’s publications demonstrate her collaborative skills and the extent of her understanding, knowledge, and expertise in Indigenous and qualitative research in Aboriginal health. Professor Bessarab is a Chief Investigator on two NHMRC grants in Aboriginal Health and is currently the lead CIA on the NHMRC Good Spirit Good Life Centre for Research Excellence grant in Indigenous Ageing and the MRFF grant; Understanding Hearing Loss to address the health needs of Older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People- A life course approach. Professor Bessarab’s work is positioned and informed from within a critical and cultural framework that acknowledges the impact of colonisation on Aboriginal ways of knowing, being, and doing, and recognises the diversity and significance of Aboriginal knowledge systems, world views and the application of Indigenous research methodologies across Australia.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
