Higher Degree by Research Application Portal

Water insecurity and concerns relating to the safety of drinking water remain prevalent among Indigenous Communities who have been systematically sidelined from water stewardship and decision making through European colonization.  Building effective partnerships with local and Indigenous communities is critical to address water security deficiencies and progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Water and sanitation for all). Within Australia, water insecurity is common within Aboriginal Homelands communities, with negative consequences for health and wellbeing. This research opportunity consists of community-facing elements alongside laboratory analysis that will facilitate improved participation of Aboriginal communities in ensuring their water security. This research project is a collaboration between the Water Corporation and the University of Western Australia.

The successful candidate will work with Aboriginal community members to develop and deploy novel, culturally appropriate, fit-for-purpose tools that can improve community confidence that the water they are drinking is safe and meets Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. In parallel, a culturally appropriate water literacy program will be developed and deployed to empower community members to more effectively engage with water utilities and Government agencies to advocate for their own water rights.  

This PhD Opportunity will suit candidates with existing knowledge and skills relating to groundwater hydrology and hydrochemistry, potable water treatment, and water security for Indigenous communities. Canidates are encouraged to apply for scholarships that will support their candidature, including Research Training Program, or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research Scholarships, as appropriate.

The research will be supported by the Water Corporation and research project funds have been secured that will cover travel costs for community engagement and co-design as well as ongoing collaboration with Aboriginal co-investigators and participants.  

Dr Sarah Bourke (sarah.bourke@uwa.edu.au)

Candidates with experience and knowledge of Aboriginal Homelands Communities and/or experience working with and for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander communities, are encouraged to apply.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a program of independent, supervised research that is assessed solely on the basis of a thesis, sometimes including a creative work component, that is examined externally. The work presented for a PhD must be a substantial and original contribution to scholarship, demonstrating mastery of the subject of interest as well as an advance in that field of knowledge. 

Visit the course webpage for full details of this course including admission requirements, course rules and the relevant CRICOS code/s.