Professor Rhonda Marriot
AM., PhD., RN., Midwife, Fellow CATSINaM
Inaugural Pro Vice Chancellor, Ngangk Yira Institute for Change, and Director of the Yorga, Maaman and Koolanga Research and Advocacy Centre, Murdoch University. AM., PhD., RN., Midwife, Fellow CATSINaM. Matrilineally descended from the Nyikina people of the Kimberley, Prof Marriott, AM has extensive senior University leadership experience, and maintains her professional connection with nursing and midwifery. She champions the translation of codesigned maternal, early childhood and youth research outcomes into national policy and practice to emphasise the strengthening of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family futures through transformational research. As PVC for the Ngangk Yira Institute for Change, she has drawn together a passionate team of Aboriginal and non-indigenous researchers for meaningful research partnerships with Elders and members from Aboriginal communities across Western Australia. Rhonda’s Birthing on Noongar Boodjar project was voted ’10 of the Best’ by NHMRC and she has very recently been presented with the Dr Lowitja O’Donoghue Leadership Award at the 2024 CATSINaM Conference which she was honored to receive.
“The First 1000 days from Bubba’s Birth”
The purpose of this presentation will be to explore the critical early years of a child’s life, focusing on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The presentation covers various aspects of birthing and growing on Country, highlighting the importance of family kinship, culturally secure child health services and cultural connections. It explores the values and behaviours expected from those working with Aboriginal children and families in order to promote positive outcomes. The presentation addresses the need for trauma-informed care and the importance of co-designed perinatal and early years care to promote the biological, social and emotional wellbeing of babies and parents.