Developing a framework identifying the outcomes, principles and enablers of ‘gathering places’: Perspectives from Aboriginal people in Victoria, Australia

Abstract

Aboriginal ‘gathering places’ have been described as cultural hubs, healing centres, and social meeting places. This article explores a gap in the literature on the health and wellbeing outcomes of gathering places from the perspectives of Aboriginal people who attend them. The aim of this study was to develop a framework to articulate the enablers, principles, and outcomes of ‘successful’ Aboriginal gathering places. In this study, sixty-nine (n = 69) community members participated in qualitative interviews or focus group discussions across thirteen gathering place sites in Victoria (Australia). The research found that gathering places address social health disparities through the provision..