Research boost for Southern Cross University

Southern Cross University has received close to $800,000 for two new research projects investigating gambling problems among Indigenous Australians and strengthening leadership capacity in the aged and community care sector.

The funding through the Australian Research Council’s National Competitive Grants Program was announced yesterday (October 26) by the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr.

Southern Cross University will receive $423,520 for an ARC Linkage Project to strengthen leadership capacity in the aged and community care industry.

The project is being led by Professor Colleen Cartwright, director of the Aged Services Learning and Research Centre, with collaboration from the University of Technology Sydney, University of Southern Queensland and industry partners Lutheran Community Care (Qld) and Baptist Community Services (NSW and ACT).

“What we are looking at is developing new ways of leadership in the not-for-profit sector. There’s a lot of pressure on aged care services resulting from the ageing population, and many not-for-profit organisations are taking up the slack,” Professor Cartwright said.

“There are rapidly increasing demands and challenges which require competent and innovative leadership and we need to look at new and better ways of doing what we do.”

Professor Cartwright said the three-year project was designed to provide new and innovative workplace practices, which in turn would lead to more stability, reduce staff turnover and improve outcomes for residents and clients.

The University has also received $365,000 for an ARC Discovery Project, to be led by Professor Nerilee Hing, from the Centre for Gambling Education and Research in the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management.

The project will look at the prevalence of gambling problems among Indigenous Australians and the associated risk factors and consequences. It also aims to identify culturally and contextually appropriate public health measures to address Indigenous gambling.

“I am delighted that the ARC has funded this project, which is the first public health analysis of Indigenous gambling,” Professor Hing said.

“The research will lead to a better understanding of Indigenous gambling issues so they can be addressed in ways that are culturally sensitive, community-driven and responsive to the distinctive circumstances of Indigenous peoples and communities.”

Senator Carr, in announcing the funding, said the Australian Research Council’s National Competitive Grants Program (NCGP) supported the most talented Australian and international researchers to undertake innovative and high-quality research.

“The research that is being supported will lead to the discovery of new ideas and the advancement of knowledge that will help Australia tackle current and future economic, health and environmental challenges,” Senator Carr said.

Photo: Professor Colleen Cartwright will lead a project looking at leadership capacity in the aged and community care industry.