Nyiyaparli Health and Wellbeing Project
Grounded Impact is honoured to walk alongside Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC (KNAC) in delivering the Nyiyaparli Health and Wellbeing Project, a community-led initiative grounded in culture, Country, and self-determination.
From community consultation to action
Our involvement began with a series of on-Country consultations and yarning sessions with Nyiyaparli members. Community shared lived experiences of kidney disease, the impact of leaving Country for treatment, and a clear vision for a stronger, healthier future.
From this process, KNAC endorsed a set of community-driven recommendations that now guide the project, including a Perth-based Healing Centre managed by the Foundation for Indigenous Sustainable Health, patient navigation support, education resources, and a culturally grounded evaluation framework.
Quote – KNAC CEO:
“What makes this project powerful is that it has been led by community from the beginning. The vision came from Nyiyaparli voices, and every step forward continues to be guided by Nyiyaparli people, Nyiyaparli priorities, and Nyiyaparli responsibility to both the old people and future generations.
Grounded Impact have been trusted by the community to keep them at the centre, to listen and act with integrity and respect every step of the way. This has been key to our progress.”
Peer Connectedness and Confidence
Students highlighted the importance of feeling connected to peers and proud of their culture. The lack of social cohesion in schools often made Aboriginal girls feel “out of place.” Building self-esteem and cultural identity through programs, Elders’ involvement, and cultural projects was seen as vital.
Following this phase, KNAC invited Grounded Impact to remain involved to help establish the governance, project management, and evaluation systems needed to bring these recommendations to life.
The consultation and evaluation components of the project have received ethics approval through the Western Australian Aboriginal Health Ethics Committee alongside the Pilbara Aboriginal Health Research Alliance, ensuring the work meets strong cultural and research governance standards.
Strong governance, aligned partnerships
The project is guided by a dedicated Steering Committee and overseen by the KNAC Board, ensuring Nyiyaparli voice remains central to every decision.
We work in coordination with partners including Purple House, Kidney Health Australia, and the Foundation for Indigenous Sustainable Health, supporting alignment across infrastructure, service delivery, workforce pathways, and education.
Building capacity for long-term leadership
Our role is intentionally staged. We are supporting KNAC to ensure strong project governance systems, reporting pathways, evaluation tools, and internal capability so that over time these functions sit fully within the organisation.
This approach ensures the project remains community-led, with external support stepping back as local capacity grows.
Quote – Steering Committee Chair and KNAC Board Vice Chair:
“We are building something that is bigger than a program or a building. This project is about healing, dignity, connection to Country, and creating stronger systems of support around our people. That takes good governance, strong partnerships, and a shared commitment to walking together for the long term.”
The Nyiyaparli Health and Wellbeing Project reflects what is possible when community leadership is resourced, governance is strong, and partnerships work in service of a clear cultural vision for health and healing.
