Indigenous outcomes are not proven when organisations report on them; they are proven when Indigenous communities can see, experience and validate the change.
As Indigenous people, we are often presented with reports that measure 'success' through employment numbers, procurement spend, heritage surveys, consultation meetings and community investments. While these metrics may demonstrate effort, they do not necessarily demonstrate outcomes.
From a community perspective, the more important question is simple: what has changed for Our people, Our culture and Our country? A consultation meeting is not the same as having influence over decisions, a heritage assessment is not the same as protecting cultural values, a job offer is not the same as creating a sustainable career pathway. So, is it success?
Drawing on more than 30 years of experience working with Indigenous communities, Traditional Owners and industry across Australia, this paper explores how organisations can move beyond reporting activities and outputs towards measuring outcomes that Indigenous communities identify as meaningful.
It examines practical approaches to measuring outcomes such as stronger cultural heritage protection, increased influence in decision-making, sustainable employment and leadership opportunities, growth of Indigenous businesses, strengthened community capability and more trusted two-way relationships.
The paper argues that Indigenous communities should define what success looks like, identify the indicators used to measure it, and play a central role in validating whether outcomes have been achieved.
Vince Scarcella is a Kabi Kabi man with more than 30 years’ experience working across Aboriginal communities, government and the private sector, advancing Indigenous engagement and community outcomes.