Sport and culture can serve as foundations for positive health outcomes and community connection, Victorian Aboriginal Health Service chief executive Michael Graham says, as AFL club North Melbourne officially partners with an important initiative.
The Kangaroos have come together with Deadly Choices, an Aboriginal-led health initiative, who operate closely with VAHS in their work in Victoria.
Healthy eating, physical activity and anti-smoking and vaping messages are core examples of their work.
With North, the partnership is encouraging free annual preventative health checks — 715 Health Check, provided at community-controlled health services.
"Together with Victorian Aboriginal Health Service, Deadly Choices, and North Melbourne Football Club, we're using sport and culture as a platform to make preventative health visible, positive, and accessible," Graham said.
"This is about empowering our community, building connection, and backing our people to stay strong and well."
The club are the latest to join forces with Deadly Choices, who've carved out a long list of partners in the national sporting landscape.
Collingwood, Essendon and Hawthorn have all worked with the initiative.
Local Naarm Aboriginal-led footy and netball club Fitzroy Stars are also on board.
The NRL have also been long-time associates, including many clubs, and a strong connection with the Brisbane Broncos.
Super Netball, and Queensland clubs the Firebirds and Lightning, cricket, Tennis Australia and the Australian Olympic Committee are among the list of patterns since Deadly Choices' start coming up to two decades ago.
At North Melbourne, its efforts are well known, club head of First Nations strategy and engagement Lucy Amon said.
"I've seen Deadly Choices in action for many years, and I've seen firsthand the impact of 715 Health Checks in reducing the burden of chronic disease for mob, including within my own family," the Quandamooka woman said.
"To know that North Melbourne will now play a part in driving positive health outcomes and contribute to Closing the Gap, one health check at a time, is something I'm really proud of.
"If we can play even a small role in supporting healthier choices and stronger outcomes for community, then that's exactly where we should be."
A Kangaroos-Deadly Choices shirt, 'walert morrok goattak' — meaning possum skin cloak in Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung language, has been designed with contributions from Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin and Emma Bamblett.
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The shirt is available exclusively for community who complete 715 Health Checks.
"Sport is a powerful vehicle to inspire others and create meaningful impact," Kangaroos chief executive Jen Watt said.
"As a partner, we now have an important role in helping share Deadly Choices' message of healthy living across our community connections as part of its continued expansion.
"Deadly Choices has been built by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and that's exactly why it works."
