Stronger On Country

Young Aboriginal people experience disproportionately high rates of trauma, incarceration and psychological distress, yet Indigenous-led healing approaches remain under-recognised within Australia’s mental health and justice systems. For generations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have understood the healing power of connection to Country, culture and community, but these approaches continue to receive limited recognition within mainstream policy and practice. Stronger On Country documents a groundbreaking community-led research project exploring whether Indigenous cultural healing can generate the evidence needed to influence trauma recovery. Through Nathan’s journey from incarceration to cultural leadership, the film also reveals the systemic barriers that prevent many First Nations men from using their lived experience to heal and support the next generation.

Our vision is for Stronger On Country to help accelerate a national conversation about the role of Aboriginal cultural knowledge in trauma healing. The documentary will provide an accessible, human-centred story that complements the broader Big Anxiety Research Centre research program, translating complex research into lived experience and inviting audiences to engage with its findings. Beyond broadcast, the film will support community screenings, facilitated discussions and stakeholder engagement with Aboriginal communities, researchers, health professionals, justice agencies and policymakers. As the research expands nationally, the documentary will become an enduring engagement resource within that work, helping communicate the research project’s purpose, findings and potential. Together, the research and documentary aim to strengthen understanding and evidence of culturally grounded healing and encourage greater recognition of Indigenous approaches to social and emotional wellbeing.

Stronger On Country aims to create change at three levels. For individuals, we hope the documentary inspires hope by showing that healing from trauma is possible through connection to Country, culture and community. For communities, we want to strengthen understanding of Aboriginal cultural healing and encourage meaningful conversations between First Nations communities, service providers, researchers and the broader public. At a systems level, the documentary supports a groundbreaking research project exploring whether Aboriginal cultural approaches to trauma healing can be recognised within evidence-based practice. By translating the research into a compelling human story, the film seeks to build awareness, encourage collaboration across health and justice sectors, and contribute to broader recognition of Aboriginal knowledge systems as an important part of trauma recovery.

Our access is built on trusted, long-term relationships with the Big Anxiety Research Centre developed over several collaborative documentary projects. As filmmaker, I am embedded within the research team, working alongside Chelsea Winder, Ash Dargan, Nathan Charles, Uncle Alan Martin and Volker Kuchelmeister throughout the project’s development. This close collaboration provides authentic, behind-the-scenes access to both the research process and the personal journeys of the key participants. Access to the young men participating in the cultural program is facilitated by Ash, Nathan and Uncle Alan, whose established community relationships, cultural leadership and trauma-informed practice create a safe, trusted environment for participation.

The documentary will encourage audiences to move beyond awareness and support Indigenous-led solutions to trauma and healing. As evidence from the research continues to emerge, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), communities, researchers and service providers will be invited to engage with the broader program as it expands nationally. The long-term vision is for the VR experience and culturally grounded healing program to become accessible to communities across Australia, supporting local implementation and adaptation under Aboriginal community leadership. The film will also encourage audiences to share the documentary, challenge deficit narratives, advocate for greater investment in Indigenous-led healing initiatives, and support the removal of systemic barriers that prevent rehabilitated Aboriginal leaders from contributing to their communities.