Walking Together: How Yolŋu and researchers are changing health stories together

Who controls research, and who benefits from it? Across Australia, Indigenous communities have often been the subjects of research rather than actively leading and shaping it. But in Galiwin’ku (Elcho Island), a different approach is taking hold - one built on co-design, mutual respect, and shared knowledge. In this episode, Dr. Sarah Hanieh speaks with Mrs Ruth Gulamanda Dhurrkay, Mr George Garambaka Gurruwiwi and Dr Ros Beadle, who are working together to create and deliver research that is community driven, shaped by cultural knowledge, and focused on real-world impact.

What happens when Indigenous communities set the agenda? And can two very different knowledge systems truly work side by side?

For Yolŋu people, knowledge isn’t something to be taken - it’s something to be shared. While research in Indigenous communities has historically been led by outsiders, there is a growing shift toward community-driven approaches.

We need cultural awareness, you know, that is important so Balanda (non-Indigenous people) will know where are we coming from.. and where we are going to.

George Garambaka Gurruwiwi, Yolŋu Elder, Aboriginal Health Researcher and community leader

In Galiwin’ku, Aboriginal health researchers and Balanda-trained researchers are walking together, blending Yolŋu ways of knowing with non-Indigenous scientific methods to ensure research is relevant, inclusive, and directly addresses community needs.

Sarah speaks with University of Melbourne researchers Mrs Ruth Gulamanda Dhurrkay, Mr George Garambaka Gurruwiwi, and Dr Ros Beadle from the Marrtjin Limurr Rrambaŋin Guŋga'yun Yolŋu'-Yulŋuny Mala (Walking Together to Support Yolŋu Health) program. They discuss their Yolŋu-led, co-designed mobile health service, which aims to prevent and reduce chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease in the community.

This team of Aboriginal health researchers and Balanda-trained researchers are working side by side, combining knowledge systems to create research that goes beyond data collection - driving real-world outcomes that are meaningful to the community.

We work together as one to help each other work hand in hand.

Ruth Gulamanda Dhurrkay, Yolŋu Elder, Aboriginal Health Researcher and community leader

Collaboration isn’t always easy. Language differences, contrasting worldviews, and differing research priorities can create challenges. Yet, when done right, co-designed research and co-designed service delivery strengthens both community and science - building relationships, deepening trust, and ensuring that Yolŋu knowledge is valued alongside Balanda research.

Credits:

Two Worlds, One Health is created by Dr Sarah Hanieh

Host: Dr Sarah Hanieh

Production assistance: Lindy Marlow

Artwork: Ruth Gulamanda Dhurrkay and Rickisha Banba Gurruwiwi

Mixed by Max Gosford

Photo credit: Ros Beadle

Thanks to Joel Supple and Bernadette Phương Nam Nguyễn

This podcast was recorded on the lands of the Yolŋu people in Galiwin’ku. I pay my respect to their Elders, past and present, and acknowledge their ongoing connection to the land, water, and culture.

Links: https://fb.watch/ypVVP_Rsab/