Re-thinking the health benefits of outstations in remote Indigenous Australia
RIS ID
127479
Abstract
The small, decentralised communities, known as outstations which satellite larger Indigenous Australian remote communities have often been conceptualised as places that are beneficial to health and well-being. This paper provides an exploration of the meaning of their outstation for one family and the benefits that this connection brings to them, which are expressed in a deep connection to the land, continuing relationships with ancestors and a safe refuge from the stresses of the larger community. We argue that the outstation provides a place for people to be in control of their lives and form hopes and plans for the future. These benefits are position in a context where the future liveability and sustainability of the outstation is both fragile and vulnerable.
Publication Details
Senior, K., Chenhall, R., Hall, J. & Daniels, D. (2018). Re-thinking the health benefits of outstations in remote Indigenous Australia. Health and Place, 52 1-7.