Monitoring and evaluation of the Perth central business district accommodation for rough sleepers (Boorloo Bidee Mia)

Project Summary

In partnership with the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI), the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre undertook an evaluation of the initial years of operation of Boorloo Bidee Mia, meaning ‘Perth pathways to housing’ in the Whadjuk Noongar language.

The project was commissioned by the WA Department of Communities and included developing a theory of change and an associated evaluation framework, and then implementing the evaluation and completing a cost-benefit analysis.

The evaluation framework was developed in consultation with two Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), Wungening Aboriginal Corporation and Noongar Mia Mia.

The approach was based upon a Healing Pathway, developed by staff from the two ACCOs and recognising the importance of connections, healing, culture, and empowerment.

The evaluation included a series of interviews with key stakeholders, focus groups with supported residents, and analyses of administrative data.

In addition to involvement in the consultations with Wungening and Noongar Mia Mia, BCEC researcher Professor Mike Dockery supervised Indigenous facilitators in undertaking focus groups with Indigenous residents, and undertook the cost-benefit analysis.

The project involved an appreciation of Indigenous culture and of Indigenous world views in shaping research methodologies, and working in partnerships with individual Indigenous researchers and Aboriginal clients.

Reporting results back to those Aboriginal organisations and stakeholders was a critical commitment.