Two health programs which support First Nations communities across New South Wales have received a combined $250,000 grant from the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation.
In its latest round of grants, the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation (NPCF) focused on addressing First Nations health disparities through culturally safe, community-led initiatives, awarding Neuroscience Research Australia's (NeuRA) Deadly Brains program $200,000, while Coast & Country Primary Care will receive $50,000 for their Culture Connect pilot program.
Since 2003, the Foundation has awarded $27 million in grants throughout regional NSW.
Set to be rolled out in the NSW Central West and Mid North Coast Regions, the Deadly Brains program will see researchers engage with 120 community members, including Elders and health workers, in yarning to collect data and community insights into what brain health means to them.
The program will allow researchers to prioritise community perspectives, ensuring the outcome will be a genuine reflection of their needs and preferences.
NeuRA's Kylie Sullivan, an Arrernte woman working as a Research Assistant, said the funding will be critical in research to improve brain health outcomes.
"There is a lack of information on brain health across generations, particularly when moving away from individual risk factors to focus on broader determinants of health," Ms Sullivan said.
"We are grateful for Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation's support, which is crucial to help us develop culturally safe and place-based approaches that address brain health in First Nations' communities.
"We're really excited to work with our community partners to achieve great outcomes."
While Deadly Brains focuses on brain health research and long-term equity, Culture Connect will focus on a community-driven approach to mental health and wellbeing on the NSW Central Coast.
Developed through a partnership by Coast & Country Primary Care and Mingaletta Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation, the program will provide an accessible, culturally safe environment to support personal wellbeing, psychosocial resilience, and community connection.
"It's a step toward empowering our community through connection, cultural pride, and better health outcomes," Coast & Country Care Executive Manager Disability & Primary Health Care, Aaron Cannon said.
Led by an Aboriginal peer worker, the program will run across three age groups - youth (12 to 18-year-olds), adult (18 to 49-year-olds) and Elder (ages 50+).
"This grant will help us bring culturally safe, age-appropriate health programs to First Nations people on the Central Coast," Mr Cannon said.
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation spokesperson Paul Juergens said both recipients are united with the Foundation's mission to improve local communities.
"It's wonderful to see such amazing work happening across the state and we feel privileged to support NeuRA and Coast & Country Primary Care in their mission to improve wellbeing across the regions," Mr Juergens said.
"While these projects are unique from one another, something they have in common is the sense of belonging, empowerment and support that they are creating in their communities – it's incredibly moving."
