aes26 International Evaluation Conference: Full Schedule

This is the draft aes26 program, subject to change. To register for workshops and the conference, go to: https://www.aes26.aes.asn.au/

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1:30pm ACST

Walking alongside each other at the pace of trust: how evaluation is only the destination

Thursday September 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:00pm ACST

Waterfront 3

Authors: Skye Gooch, Djirra, Rebecca Steunenberg, Djirra, Lesly Zambrano, Djirra ,Taylor Rawson, Djirra
Djirra is proposing short paper presentation about our experience of designing a self-determined program and Monitoring and Evaluation Framework using an Aboriginal-led participatory approach for our specialist Alcohol and Other Drugs service. We aim to demonstrate the value of Aboriginal-led participatory program design approaches.

In our short paper, we will cover the three following core learnings:

•The power of relationships
At Djirra, our Design, Monitoring and Evaluation Officers are embedded in each program area, and our Program Development Lead is also an internal role. The roles' positioning fosters strong, trusting relationships with the teams. This relational approach allows for the design of a rich and empowered program design, for Aboriginal people, by Aboriginal people.
•Walking at the pace of trust
We had the opportunity to take our time with this process, allowing the space for trusting and dynamic dialogue to be fostered. We saw many benefits to this approach, such as the Program Development staff guiding the team while still being led by their expertise, allowing everyone to be able to deeply consider their practice and the evolution of the project, and time to centre rich data and narratives, making the vision and impact about more than just numbers.
•The design journey becomes an outcome in itself
In doing the program design in this approach, the overall process achieved outcomes in being completed itself. By the end of the project, we saw mutual benefits for everyone. Our Program Development staff grew deeper knowledge of the team’s deep and complex context, and the team itself grew their skills and knowledge of systems work.

We aim to deliver this in a slide show format, focusing on engaging visuals and simplicity. We will be opening the presentation up to the audience at the end for a yarn with the presenters.

Speakers

Skye Gooch

Manager of Individual Support Services, Djirra

Rebecca Steunenberg

Team Leader of Alcohol and Other Drugs, Djirra

Thursday September 17, 2026 1:30pm - 2:00pm ACST
Waterfront 3 Stokes Hill Rd, Darwin City NT, Australia

Boundaries and bridges

Format Short paper
Audience Level Intermediate
Industry Community and social services
ID 320

aes26 International Evaluation Conference

1:30pm ACST

Skye Gooch

Rebecca Steunenberg

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