MyriaD Consultants and its Staff bring extensive experience in the development of appropriate research methodologies and consultation strategies.
In particular, the team has specific expertise in ensuring that participation is reflective of the diversity of the sector.
The Consultants have specialist knowledge in issues relevant to Multicultural, Indigenous and Disability organisations, (which often require creative and innovative consultative approaches) and contribute this expertise in the development of Consultative Strategies.
The Consultants are well versed in undertaking highly sensitive consultations with service users, and are aware of the various issues in relation to confidentiality and safety requirements.
Maria Dimopoulos has undertaken research and consultations for the following organisations:
Australian Multicultural Foundation
Police/Indigenous Relations Feasibility Study
 |
Contracted to develop a Feasibility Study which examines a process at the national level that can best advise Commissioners of Police on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people and Police relation. |
RMIT University: Department of Justice and Youth Studies
Involvement in a team to develop 'Youth Policy' for Victorian Government
|
|
Contracted to assist in providing overview of current State and Commonwealth programs and services for young people and undertake analysis of alternative models and approaches to youth policy in Australia |
City of Greater Dandenong: research into Road Safety for Older People from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities
Contracted to Undertake Research and Develop Submission to Victorian Government on:
|
|
Issues relevant to road safety for older persons from culturally and linguistically diverse communities in the City of Greater Dandenong. |
|
|
Consultations with peak ethno specific groups in the region |
|
|
Consultations with Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria |
Elizabeth Hoffman House: Aboriginal Women's Refuge (Vic)
Contracted to assist in sexual assault in Indigenous communities research
The aims of the 'Shame to Pride Project' were:
|
|
To identify key issues in relation to sexual assault in Indigenous communities |
|
|
To identify gaps and barriers that prevent Aboriginal people from accessing sexual assault services |
|
|
To identify strategies that may improve and enhance the skills of Aboriginal workers in the human services field in identifying and developing appropriate referral mechanisms to Aboriginal clients who disclose family violence and sexual assault |
|
|
To make recommendations in relation to the continuous development of partnership strategies between Indigenous and non Indigenous services in relation to issues of sexual assault. |
Country Fire Authority:
Contracted to undertake research for the Country Fire Authority (CFA). The purpose of the research was:
|
|
To conduct market research in areas that are representative of diverse geographic locations and ethnic community settlements. (Greater Dandenong, Shepparton, Geelong and Epping) |
|
|
To provide CFA with information to plan appropriately targeted information campaigns and develop appropriate educational programs for non-English speaking background (NESB) communities. Specifically, the research findings would |
(a) determine the level of fire safety knowledge, and
(b) establish community views regarding CFA voluntary work amongst ethnic groups.
Department of Natural Resources And Environment
Private Forestry Project
|
|
Contracted to undertake community consultation process with identified stakeholders in relation to private forestry development in key rural and regional areas of Victoria. |
Department of Natural Resources and Environment (Fisheries)
Women in the Seafood Industry: A Situation and Needs Analysis
|
|
Contracted to undertake community consultations with women in the Seafood Industry to identify key needs |
Department of Transport and Regional Services
Action Research Project on Rural Community Capacity Building
Contracted to facilitate a series of workshop and to assist in undertaking major action research throughout regional and rural Australia. The research will focus on communities adjusting to change. Specifically the research will:
|
|
identify the critical success factors |
|
|
document and analyse key community leaders |
|
|
conduct workshops in each state and territory |
Department of Natural Resources and the Environment
Women as Clients Stage 1 Research
|
|
Contracted to assist the DNRE undertake research to develop a Women’s as Clients Blueprint. This involves undertaking consultations with staff and women clients at 8 regional locations. |
Department of Health and Community Services (1999)
International Year of Older Australians Research
|
|
Contracted to undertake research in preparation for IYOP. The consultancy is to identify specific issues of importance to older Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. The results of the research will be used as the basis of consultations to be undertaken for the International Year of Older Persons and to inform the development of the National Strategy for an Ageing Australia |
Prime Minister and Cabinet (1999)
NESB and ATSI Community Awareness Strategy on Domestic Violence
|
|
In conjunction with University of Queensland's ATSI Studies Unit and Cultural Perspectives contracted to undertake research to explore the existing attitudes and perceptions that influence (both positively and negatively) the level of domestic violence in the community and identify what is required to modify attitudes and behaviour in a way that is legitimately part of the cultural paradigm |
Department of Justice (Vic) (1999)
Partnerships Against Domestic Violence Project - Mapping of Family Violence Protocols and Interagency Linkages.
|
|
Contracted to examine the current experiences of women affected by family violence, where they turn for help, who they seek support from, and what choices they make in removing themselves from the violent situation |
