The loss of a baby to stillbirth is a tragic event for parents, families and communities and, contrary to public perceptions, is both the most common form of child mortality in Australia and often preventable.

Sadly, little attention has been paid to addressing the distinctly higher stillbirth risk among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  

Over four years, Professor Rhonda Marriott, who leads Murdoch University’s Ngangk Yira Research Centre for Aboriginal Health and Social Equity, will collaborate with Curtin University and the Telethon Kids Institute in the first ever multidimensional, mixed methods study of Aboriginal stillbirth. 

To the best of our knowledge, there are currently no stillbirth education and awareness initiatives that directly target Aboriginal people and a paucity of Aboriginal-specific evidence to guide positive change in policy and practice.” Professor Marriott

Working in partnership with Aboriginal Elders, communities, and service providers, she is thrilled the critical nature of this project has been recognised. 

“The project is perfectly aligned with Ngangk Yira’s research agenda, philosophy of co-design, and commitment to partnering with the Aboriginal community to respond to their priorities on Noongar Boodjar,” she said. 

Led by Curtin University with renowned Aboriginal health researcher Associate Professor Carrington Shepherd at the helm, the $1.4 million undertaking has received funding from the highly competitive $239 million Ideas Grant scheme from the National Health and Medical Research Council. 

Professor Marriott said Murdoch has a close relationship with Curtin, Dr Shepherd holds an adjunct position with Ngangk Yira, and the collaborative nature of this project, particularly the inclusion of Aboriginal researchers and community, would have a significant impact on its outcomes. 

The team includes Ngangk Yira patron Professor Fiona Stanley, and Aunty Millie Penny who is a member of the Ngangk Yira Elders Council and an experienced Elder advisor who has been involved with a number of research projects. 

This research supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3 to ensure healthy lives and promote good health and well-being.