The CLLMM Research Centre in Goolwa, is set to redefine local environmental research. In its first year of operation the Centre has quickly become a hub for collaborative, community-driven research, shaping the future of the region.

In a groundbreaking initiative, the Coorong, Lower Lakes, and Murray Mouth (CLLMM) Research Centre is set to redefine the landscape of community-driven scientific research. Established in July 2023 by the Goyder Institute for Water Research, the Centre takes a unique approach, shifting away from traditional top-down research models to one that is entirely community-focused.

Conceived in response to the advocacy of Rebekha Sharkie MP, Deputy Premier Susan Close and the local community, the CLLMM Research Centre was officially announced by the federal government in October 2022. Since then, it has been dedicated to fostering partnerships with First Nations peoples and the local community to ensure their perspectives are at the forefront of decision-making processes and research pathways.

According to the Centre's Communication and Engagement Coordinator, Dr Tiffany Nay, CLLMM is unlike conventional research centres.

"All of our research is actually being driven by community values. We're working to capture what's important to the community and use that to establish what research and engagement activities we have moving forward in the Centre.

"This is such an exciting time for us and the community as we can work together to tackle future issues that will challenge the region," she says.

CLLMM has the potential to cover a variety of research areas, ranging from environmental topics like biodiversity and specific species to economic impacts, particularly those associated with climate change. The goal is to align the research agenda with the community's concerns and interests.

The Centre has already initiated a value capturing process, involving community workshops and a community survey. The survey played a crucial role in gathering local insights.

As well as ongoing community engagement, the Centre is gearing up for the launch of a school’s education program. This initiative aims to involve students and schools in the region, fostering environmental awareness and education from an early age.

The centre aptly is located at the Goolwa Aquatic Building and is a hub of community activity, with much more planned.

"This open space is going to be where all of our community events and community functions happen. We will be hosting community events and the school programs in this space," Dr Tiffany Ney says.

Aiming to bring science closer to the community, the Centre will feature innovative tools such as the Big Sandbox, an augmented reality experience that visualises landscape scenarios. It also plans to develop an app providing interactive information about the region, from sea-level rise projections to historical perspectives.

One of the distinctive features of the Centre is its commitment to integrating First Nations collaboration and involvement. Nathan Hartman, First Nations Engagement Officer, plays a pivotal role in establishing connections and ensuring that First Nations knowledge is embedded in research projects. He emphasises the importance of incorporating this cultural perspective and runs workshops with First Nations communities.

"First Nations culture and perspectives are extremely useful in improving our understanding of the local environment, and we're very excited to bring them into our Research Centre’s projects. This is an amazing opportunity to guide our projects using First Nation peoples’ intricate and ancient understandings of the environment, while also providing a space where First Nations priorities amidst coming climate change can be directly addressed for multi-beneficial outcomes for everyone involved. My role is critical for this. I act as the point of connection between the Research Centre and the First Nations communities. It is imperative that we tackle these climate change challenges through utilising the expertise and perspectives of First Nations people and research organisations alike. Providing a more holistic approach to a universal crisis."

The CLLMM Research Centre positions itself as a vital player in the environmental and community stewardship of the region, and has already joined existing research on waterbirds and native fish of the Coorong, macroinvertebrates, and the overall health of the ecosystem.

As the Centre continues to evolve, it stands as an example of community-driven science, embracing inclusivity and collaboration to address the unique challenges and opportunities of the region’s landscape.