Bolstering wellbeing of the community

About this research pillar

The National Wellbeing Framework emphasises that secure, sustainable, and cohesive environments have measurable impacts on the health and wellbeing of individuals, communities, and societies. Our research identifies the social dimensions to well-being and resilience.

Our research covers areas such as:

Creation of cohesive and supportive work environments
Methods to reduce prejudice and stigma
Support for multiculturalism and diversity
Security of the community and our nation
Factors shaping national belonging and identity
Relationship breakdown and interpersonal forgiveness
Support for climate justice and adaptation

Psycho-social resilience in the face of climate change and other societal changes
Trust in community and democratic institutions
Child protection and domestic or family violence
Gender diversity and family wellbeing
Veteran health and wellbeing
Youth inclusion at school and in the community
Access to justice and interactions with the criminal judicial system

Our researchers in this area:

Professor Emma Thomas - understanding when, why and how people decide to join collective efforts to bring about a desired social change and the factors that shift people towards violent extremism
Associate Professor Helen McLaren - system advocacy and social change, with a focus on improving outcomes for children and young people, stronger families, and inclusive communities
Professor Michael Wenzel - justice, moral repair and reconciliation in interpersonal and intergroup relations
Professor Robyn Young - Autism diagnosis and support, interactions in the criminal judicial system
Professor Ben Wadham - social health of veterans and their families and the cultural and historical relations of the Australian Defence Force, Department of Veterans Affairs and the veteran sector
Professor Damien Riggs - gender, wellbeing, and family
Associate Professor Lorna Hallahan – social work theory and moral philosophy; abuse, neglect and adult protection; social work in the disability sector
Professor Marika Tiggemann – body image
Professor Tim Windsor - engagement with life and wellbeing in older adulthood
Dr Annabelle Neall - mental health and wellbeing at work, workplace bullying and sexual harassment