Impact of Renewable Energy Literacy on Caring for Country and Wellbeing: Pilot Study conducted with Gawler Ranges Aboriginal Corporation (GRAC)

In Nyunga (Aboriginal) culture, the health of Country is inextricably linked to the health and wellbeing of its people. In South Australia (SA), energy literacy has been highlighted as a major concern for Aboriginal native title holders asked by SA Government to support the development of the Hydrogen and Renewal Energy (HRE) industry. They feel they do not have enough knowledge of the HRE industry to provide Free, Prior, Informed Consent (FPIC) to developments which may impact the health of Country and in turn their community’s wellbeing. In response, a qualitative pilot study was undertaken in 2024 with the Gawler Ranges Aboriginal Corporation (GRAC), a Native Title Prescribed Body Corporate (NTPBC). The data collection involved a cultural immersion field trip where interviews were conducted on Country. The research team employed the traditional Aboriginal ngapartji-ngapartji relational methodology to establish respectful, reciprocal relationships between the non-Aboriginal member and interviewees. In total 10 (n) GRAC members were interviewed; 9 (n) were voice recorded and transcribed. A manual thematic analysis and close reading of the transcripts followed. Results indicated a gap in the Nyunga Directors knowledge about the HRE industry which impacted their overall wellbeing.