About DMS Research Evaluation Consulting
Our Vision
Our Partnerships
Our Approach
At DMS Research Evaluation Consulting, we believe in working with individuals, families, organisations and communities.
Our narrative and developmental research and evaluation approaches offer opportunities to capture wise and land-based practices in which local knowledge and ways of working are vital to innovative, locally defined outcomes.
Our Approach
Our Partnerships
Our Approach
Our approach to research and evaluation draws from and builds on local capability and knowledge.
Ownership of knowledge at the individual, community and organisational levels ensures ongoing decision-making and problem-solving is in local hands.
Our Partnerships
Our Partnerships
Our Partnerships
At DMS Research Evaluation Consulting, we believe that collaboration and partnerships are essential in developing, building on and maintaining success.
Partnerships create opportunities for inter- and cross-disciplinary collaboration and strengthen opportunities for innovation and unique solutions.
Our Work at a glance...DMS Research Evaluation Consulting
Innovative Research and Evaluation for a Brighter Future with DMS Research Evaluation Consulting
DMS Research & Evaluation Consulting is focused on improving research and evaluation practices and approaches with and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, organisations and communities. Donna is a social qualitative researcher and evaluator focused on transformational practice and measurable impact. Her work has emerged through methodologies that include generative design, participatory action research, developmental evaluation, and narrative inquiry across topics such as flourishing, organisational change, remoteness, poverty, mobility, and narrative inquiry.
Donna has more than a decade of experience in project management and administration, including ethics applications and processes, reporting, publications, and presentations at local, national, and international forums. She is a skilled adult educator with experience in coaching and mentoring, holding a TAE in vocational training. Her training experience includes course development, workforce training and delivery across the health sector, including AOD, SEWB, DFSV, and education.
DMS Research and Evaluation Consulting draws on our family's history and knowledge, bringing a unique blend of lived cultural and professional experience to our research and evaluation practices.
Our Work Partnerships
DMS Research Evaluation Consulting has had the opportunity to work with a range of partners on projects, advisory boards and national presentations.
Our partners include:
* Wurli Wurlinjang Health Services, Katherine
* Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance NT (AMSANT)
* Community First Development (National)
* The ALIVE National Centre for Mental Health Research Translation, The University of Melbourne
* Faculty of Health, Charles Darwin University
* NACCHO - Workforce Wellbeing Group
* Australian Evaluation Society and
* ARTD Consultants
About the Artwork
Flourishing through research and evaluation
Well‑being is a broad concept that extends beyond the health sector. It is a foundation of strong, growing, and flourishing societies. Positive well‑being is not simply achieved through ‘more’—more money, more belonging, more friends, more activity, or more work.
Flourishing communities understand that well‑being thrives within a connected, interdependent ecosystem. Like mangroves that grow, nourish, and protect all that live within them, our research and evaluation approach is designed to support flourishing individuals, communities, and organisations. We recognise that actions both within and across communities contribute to collective wellness. It is essential that measures of well‑being—and of individual and community flourishing—are embedded early and meaningfully in government and community decision‑making.
This artwork represents the interconnectedness of systems, communities, and individuals. It reminds us that, in our research and evaluation practice, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples live as part of, not separate from, thriving ecosystems. Knowing, being, and doing are inherently connected. The impact of one decision can ripple across Country, communities, organisations, and all those striving to thrive within them.
Artwork copyright © Donna‑Maree Stephens
