Researcher Spotlight: Jaida Penny
Tell us about yourself!
I’m a Nyoongar woman born and raised on the beautiful Wadjuk boodjar and recognise my Grandparents’ countries, namely Wiilman and Binjareb country. I have a strong interest in supporting my community and nurturing the health and wellbeing of those around me. I’ve grown up around lots of koolungars (kids) and worked in caring, mentoring, and tutoring for diverse Aboriginal youth with different support needs. I’m a proud Aunty as well as a ‘big sister’ to family members in foster placement.
My interest in wellbeing has driven me to my current studies and career path. I’m in my second year of my Bachelor of Science, in Anatomy and Human Biology at the University of Western Australia. I also work as a research assistant in the Early Neurodevelopment and Mental Health team at Telethon Kids Institute. My work at the Institute has centred around equity in early childhood, particularly for Aboriginal babies and young children. In this time, I have worked on the creation of a co-designed toddler self-regulation program, guiding principles for the formation of culturally safe developmental screening tools, and highlighting and challenging deeply held societal beliefs around racism. I have also contributed to the Institute’s Reconciliation Action Plan as a working group member, and am currently a member of the Youth Governance Group for the Roadmap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Adolescent Health project (Telethon Kids Institute and South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute).
“Looking ahead, I envision a future where Aboriginal worldviews and practices are integrated throughout an infant mental health system”
What makes you passionate about your field of study?
My passion for infant wellbeing stems from my cultural values of community and continuity. In our culture, we are deeply connected to those around us and we are dedicated to supporting the next generations to ensure our collective strength for generations to come. My work embodies this commitment by giving back to those around me, and supporting our little ones so that they can have better opportunities now and in the future.
I'm particularly interested in the early years, recognising this critical point for early intervention. Support during this time can give children more opportunities for positive outcomes throughout their life which may prevent more costly and intense interventions later down the track. This not only benefits families themselves but has economic benefits and reduces service demands. I am passionate about supporting our Aboriginal families in this time, ensuring that developmental services meet their needs in ways that work for them.
We've heard from Aboriginal families that early developmental screening and support are often harmful for them and perpetuate feelings of shame and blame. Culturally appropriate behaviours are often pathologised, contributing to a prevailing deficit narrative that fails to recognise systemic factors. Parents may experience guilt or shame, and feel that their parenting is inadequate, along with concern about involvement of child protection services. Families often feel that they are being monitored, with little practical advice or support to nurture their child. They have shared their reluctance to seek support after numerous of these experiences.
Aboriginal voices are often not invited to the table, invited as an afterthought, or in a tokenistic manner with no real power. My goal is to advocate for our voices and needs, so that we are not only heard, but genuinely valued and included in meaningful ways. I’m driven by the need to address the systemic exclusion and marginalisation of our mob.
What outcomes are you hoping to see from your research?
At this point in time, a key outcome for my research is to inform culturally appropriate developmental screening and support that can be integrated throughout mainstream and community-controlled settings. I want to ensure that Aboriginal families have the support that they need from services and from their community, in a way that suits their needs.
I am committed to understanding and addressing the unique needs and priorities of Aboriginal families when it comes to early developmental support. By sharing their experiences and perspectives, I seek to promote a broader and deeper understanding of these needs, ultimately contributing to more effective and culturally sensitive services. I want Aboriginal kids to be given the best foundation to life that we can give them, and for our communities to determine what this looks like.
What are your hopes for infant mental health research and practice in Australia?
I would like to see a greater emphasis on early intervention and preventative support for families and their young children. Additionally, to increase awareness of infant mental health, and ensure that services are promoted and resourced to strengthen their accessibility. I believe that families should be empowered and have the necessary resources to work collaboratively with professionals to meet their needs in a non-prescriptive manner. I hope to see infants valued and supported in ways that meet their unique wellbeing and mental health needs, in appropriate and specific ways during this critical stage of their development.
Looking ahead, I envision a future where Aboriginal worldviews and practices are integrated throughout an infant mental health system. This would foster a community-led model of culturally safe infant care that meets the needs and priorities of Aboriginal families, embedded within an Aboriginal-led and culturally safe system.
What does an award like the Premier's Science Awards, mean to you?
Being selected as a finalist for Aboriginal STEM Student of the Year in the Premier’s Science Awards is a huge reflection of those who have supported me and driven the work that I’ve been part of. It acknowledges the incredible work and passion of the Aboriginal people that have given their time to share their stories and guide the work I do. To me, this award recognises a community of people who have come together to strive for the best outcomes for our mob, a community who without, this work wouldn’t be possible. I hope that I can advocate for these people and do their voices justice.
I am honoured to be selected, and I appreciate that this space of work is being acknowledged as important, it is very close to home and our children deserve the very best that we can give them. I’m incredibly grateful for my mentors and colleagues who have helped me get to the point that I’m at, and who continue to support my growth.