Gardner, K.Graham, S.Beadman, M.Doyle, M.Wilms, J.Beetson, K.Bryant, J.Martin, K.Treloar, C.Murphy, D.Bell, S.Browne, A.Aggleton, P.Bolt, R.2025-05-232025-05-231036-1073PubMed:39228099http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85203066131&partnerID=8YFLogxKhttps://hdl.handle.net/1885/733752359Background: Strengths-based approaches to health care are often seen as an alternative to deficit-based approaches and are common in Aboriginal health settings. Despite this, there is little existing research that describes Aboriginal peoples' perspectives about the strengths of their communities. This paper describes cultural strengths and resources as understood by Aboriginal people living in western Sydney. Methods: In-depth interviews were used to collect qualitative data from two communities on Dharug and Dharrawal Country in western Sydney Australia. Data come from a larger study, which focused on how cultural strengths supported sexual well-being. Fifty-two interviews were conducted with Aboriginal young people (aged 16–24 years) by trained peer interviewers. Additionally, 16 interviews with Aboriginal adults (25 years and older) were conducted by members of the research team. Findings and Discussion: While opinions varied, four key areas of cultural strength were identified: (1) strong kinship relationships; (2) knowledge sharing; (3) shared experiences, identities, and values; and (4) knowing Country. Throughout these four themes, the sense of connection and belonging is viewed as an important overarching theme. Conclusion: Communities are not homogenous with regard to what they view as cultural strengths. Knowing Country and practising culture meant different things to different individuals while providing a similar sense of belonging, connection, and identity. So What: Health service providers, policies, and programs can use this information to understand the continuing impacts of past policies and events whilst recognising that each community has strengths that can be drawn upon to improve service engagement, knowledge sharing, and health outcomes.The project is a partnership between UNSW, Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, South Western Sydney Local Health District and Family Planning NSW, together with investigators from the University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, University of British Columbia, and Charles Darwin University. The project investigators include Joanne Bryant, Reuben Bolt, Michael Doyle, Dean Murphy, Carla Treloar, Stephen Bell, Simon Graham, Christy Newman, Annette Browne, Peter Aggleton, Jessica Botfield, Robert Hardy, Ben Davis, Bronwyn Leece, Linda Stanbury, Elizabeth Brown, Karen Beetson, Voula Kougelos, and Megan Brooks. We are grateful for the excellent assistance of Kim Beadman and Tamika Briggs. This research was supported under the Australian Research Council's Linkage Project funding scheme (LP170100190) \u2018Fostering the sexual well\u2010being of Aboriginal young people by building on social, cultural and personal strengths and resources\u2019. The Centre for Social Research in Health receives some support from UNSW Arts, Design and Architecture, the Australian Department of Health, and other external funders. National Health and Medical Research Council Investigator Grants support the salaries of Simon Graham (#2009727) and Michael Doyle (#1193618).10en© 2024 The Author(s)aboriginalAustraliacultureindigenousstrengths202510.1002/hpja.90685203066131