Yulu-Burri-Ba Aboriginal Corporation for Community Health

Introduction

Yulu-Burri-Ba Aboriginal Corporation for Community Health is a pivotal organisation that provides healthcare and community services to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) and surrounding areas in Queensland, Australia.

The organisation plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting the health and well-being of Indigenous communities by offering culturally appropriate healthcare services.

In 2023, Yulu-Burri-Ba recognized the need to modernise their online presence to better serve their community, improve accessibility to their services and enhance communication to their potential clients. The corporation partnered with Marketeam – a Brisbane-based digital agency, to redevelop their website.

This case study explores the steps taken by Marketeam to achieve these goals, the challenges faced and the outcomes of the project.

Website objectives

The key objectives of the website redevelopment project were:

Improve user experience
To create a user-friendly website that is easy to navigate, especially for members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, who might have varying levels of digital literacy.

Produce a culturally-relevant design
Develop a design that reflects the cultural identity of the Yulu-Burri-Ba community, incorporating Indigenous artwork and cultural elements.

Optimise for mobile
Ensure that the website is fully responsive and optimised for various mobile devices, as many users access the internet via smartphones.

Website challenges

Cultural sensitivity
It was crucial to design a website that resonated with the cultural values and identity of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities without misrepresentation or appropriation.

Stakeholder engagement
Engaging with community members, elders and stakeholders to gather feedback and ensure the YBB website met their needs was a complex and ongoing process.

Technical integration
Integrating various services, such as online appointment booking and health resources, into a seamless user experience required careful planning and technical expertise.

Process and execution

Initial meet and discovery
Marketeam conducted meetings with Yulu-Burri-Ba staff, community elders and other stakeholders to understand the needs and expectations for the website. This phase was critical for gathering insights into the community's preferences and priorities.

The existing website content was audited to identify what needed to be retained, updated or removed. This audit also highlighted opportunities to add new and relevant content.

Website design
Marketeam worked closely with Indigenous artists and cultural advisors to create a design that incorporated traditional art and cultural symbols. The design aimed to be visually appealing while being respectful and representative of the community's heritage.

A proof of concept was developed with a focus on ease of navigation. The website was designed to be fully responsive, ensuring optimal performance on various devices, including smartphones and tablets.

Development and build
Marketeam chose the Joomla content management system (CMS) to allow Yulu-Burri-Ba staff to easily update and manage website content. The website integrated several key services, including an online booking system, health resources and service offerings making it a central hub for community information.

Testing and launch
Before the official launch, a beta version of the website was shared with community members for feedback, allowing for final adjustments based on real user input. Marketeam provided training sessions for Yulu-Burri-Ba staff to ensure they were comfortable managing the website post-launch.

Project outcomes

Improved accessibility
The new website is fully accessible, meeting WCAG 2.1 standards, and ensuring that all community members, including those with disabilities, can easily navigate and use the site.

Enhanced user experience
The website’s design and layout have significantly improved the user experience, making it easier for visitors to find information, book appointments and access crucial health services.

Cultural relevance
The new design successfully incorporates Indigenous art and cultural elements, creating a website that resonates with the community and reflects their identity.

Increased engagement
Since the launch of the new website, Yulu-Burri-Ba has seen an increase in online engagement, with more community members accessing health services and information online.

Sustainable management
The Joomla training provided by Marketeam has empowered Yulu-Burri-Ba staff to manage the website effectively, ensuring that it remains up-to-date and relevant.

Conclusion

The redevelopment of the Yulu-Burri-Ba Aboriginal Corporation website by Marketeam is a testament to the power of culturally informed, user-centric design in enhancing digital engagement for Indigenous communities.

By prioritising accessibility, cultural relevance and ease of use, Marketeam has helped Yulu-Burri-Ba create a valuable online resource that supports the health and well-being of their community.

The success of this project highlights the importance of collaboration, cultural sensitivity and technical expertise in developing digital solutions that serve the unique needs of Indigenous organisations.

Click here to visit the Yulu-Burri-Ba Aboriginal Corporation for Community Health website >>