Re-imagining F.A.S.T key participants: Joshua Donohue, Wendy Cowan, Victor Zander, Uncle Grahame Quinlan (standing), Uncle Noel Lockwood, Heidi Lavis, Amy Thompson, Rickey Luland.

Dunghutti People lead the way in reimagining stroke awareness

Dec 19, 2024

Dunghutti Country, recognised as part of Australia’s top “stroke hotspot,” is tackling the region’s alarming stroke rates with an innovative and culturally grounded approach to health promotion.

The Reimagining F.A.S.T. project, a community-led initiative, has redefined stroke awareness for the Dunghutti people by adapting the globally recognised F.A.S.T. (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) message. This initiative emphasises early symptom recognition and swift medical intervention, tailored to the unique needs of the Dunghutti community.

The project’s foundation lies in Yarning and participatory research. This collaboration brought together six stroke survivors, local language knowledge holders, Mid North Coast Local Health District, Durri Aboriginal Medical Service, NSW Regional Health Partners, Healthy North Coast, Stroke Foundation, the University of Newcastle’s Department of Rural Health, and Dunghutti artist Kyara Fernando to co-design the campaign.

Kyara’s artwork, infused with local totems and culturally significant symbols, is featured on promotional materials such as t-shirts and posters.

“Colours are meaningful,” said Rickey Luland, a stroke survivor and participant in the initiative.

“We wanted something unique to our community. The designs not only educate but also stand out, helping people recognise stroke symptoms and act quickly.”

Project coordinator, Occupational Therapist and researcher, Dr Heidi Lavis, highlighted the program’s success, attributing it to community leadership and self-determination.

“This initiative works because it’s led by the people it serves. It’s building trust and fostering conversations that can save lives,” she said.

The campaign has already gained national recognition, with presentations at the Ngar-Wu Wanyarra Aboriginal Health Conference at the University of Melbourne in Shepparton and the NACCHO conference in Canberra.

For stroke survivors involved, the project has been transformative.

“Sharing our stories has not only helped spread awareness but has also been a part of our own recovery journey,” said Mr Luland.

With plans to secure funding, the team hopes to adapt this model for other communities, continuing its mission to empower First Nations peoples to access timely, culturally appropriate stroke care.

For more on this groundbreaking initiative and to watch the short film, visit the MNCLHD website.