Dha Ba Garn Project
Help Create Safer Journeys for Aboriginal Communities
Road trauma remains one of the leading causes of preventable death and serious injury for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia.
Dha Ba Garn is an Aboriginal-led road safety initiative working with communities, researchers, government agencies, and industry partners to develop culturally informed solutions that improve road safety outcomes and save lives.
Our Vision
Supporting Aboriginal communities to lead safer journeys through culturally informed research, education, and partnerships.
Research opportunities
We are seeking enthusiastic Honours, Master's, and PhD students to join this growing research program at The University of Western Australia.
Why This Research Matters
The Facts
- Injury contributes significantly to the life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians.
- Road crashes are the second leading cause of death among First Peoples.
- Aboriginal people are:
- 4.8 times more likely to die as passengers.
- 4.6 times more likely to die as pedestrians.
- 2.5 times more likely to die as drivers.
- Aboriginal people are approximately 30% more likely to be hospitalised following a road crash.
- Children and young people experience disproportionately high rates of road trauma.
- Rural and remote communities continue to face significant transport and mobility challenges.
These outcomes are influenced by a complex combination of:
- Rural and remote road conditions
- Transport disadvantage
- Licensing barriers
- Limited access to culturally safe services
- Socio-economic disadvantage
- Historical and systemic inequalities
- What you will investigate with us
- Aboriginal perspectives on road safety
- Community-led safety initiatives
- Cultural influences on transport and mobility
- Licensing access barriers
- Learner driver mentoring programs
- Culturally safe licensing pathways
- Transport disadvantage
- Safe travel in regional communities
- Infrastructure and environmental factors
- Road trauma prevention strategies
- Behaviour changes interventions
- Evaluation of road safety programs
- Crash data analysis
- Evidence-based policy development
- Program evaluation and impact measurement
- Research design
- Data analysis
- Community engagement
- Program evaluation
- Stakeholder collaboration
- Policy development
- Public Health
- Transport and Road Safety
- Indigenous Affairs
- Academia
- Government
- Community Development
- Public Health
- Psychology
- Indigenous Studies
- Social Sciences
- Criminology
- Health Promotion
- Education
- Engineering
- Data Science
- Community Development
- Public Policy
Students can investigate topics such as:
Community & Cultural Road Safety
Driver Licensing & Education
Rural & Remote Road Safety
Public Health & Injury Prevention
Data & Policy Research
What You'll Gain
Real-World Research Experience
Work alongside leading road safety researchers and Aboriginal community stakeholders.
Meaningful Impact
Contribute to research that supports safer roads, stronger families, and healthier communities.
Professional Development
Build skills in:
Career Pathways
Research experience can lead to careers in:
Who Should Apply?
Students from a broad range of disciplines are encouraged to enquire, including:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are strongly encouraged to apply.
Interested in Learning More?
Troy Collard
Project Manager | Dha Ba Garn Road Safety Program