Next CREDS Seminar: 'i' before 'ee' the importance of 'c' with Paul Callaghan

Abstract

Aboriginal people experience greater socio-economic and health inequity than non-Aboriginal people. Despite the funding and implementation of numerous programs aimed at redressing this disadvantage, substantial inequity continues to burden Aboriginal people and communities. In a research project titled ‘i’ before ’ee’ the importance of ‘c’, Professor Paul Callaghan has explored the question: ‘What is the significance of Aboriginal cultural determinants and traditional knowledge in addressing complex social and personal issues that Aboriginal people face today? This talk will share the findings of his research including:

• The genesis of Aboriginal disadvantage
• The political and social context of addressing Aboriginal disadvantage
• Current government policy targeting Aboriginal people
• The importance of the cultural determinants and the relationship with the social determinants of wellbeing
• Data on lived experiences of a group of men who have been actively involved in cultural learning
• Analysis of the significance of Traditional Knowledge in addressing wellbeing for Aboriginal people

Paul’s best selling book The Dreaming Path has sold 45,000 copies in Australia and is also available in the USA, France and Germany. It received the Australian Book Industry Award for ‘Small Publisher’s Adult Book of the Year’ in 2023. His children’s book, Adventures on the Dreaming Path was published 1 July 2025 and a book on leadership, Leading from the Dreaming, was published February 2026.