Reconciliation Action Plan
We are pleased to announce Reconciliation Australia has endorsed NOFASD’s second Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
Our RAP represents our ongoing commitment to deepening understanding and taking meaningful action towards reconciliation. It outlines our dedication to fostering culturally safe, respectful, and inclusive relationships and supports for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Through our RAP, we aim to listen, learn and walk alongside First Nation communities as allies on the ongoing journey towards equity and healing. As part of this commitment, we also honour and celebrate the rich, diverse and resilient cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and community members who have guided us and generously shared their wisdom.
NOFASD is dedicated to supporting and raising awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Australia wide, we recognise the disproportionate impact of FASD on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, shaped by the legacy of colonisation, systemic disadvantages and intergenerational trauma. We also recognise the knowledge, strength and leadership of First Nations peoples in addressing these complex challenges.
As part of our reconciliation journey, we are committed to working in genuine partnership with First Nations communities, and to engaging and educating professionals across the health, justice and education sectors. Through this work, we strive to reduce the health inequities and support improved outcomes for First Nations peoples.
Our Reconciliation Plan artwork created by Barkindji artist A.Awege is titled ‘Mob’ and represents ‘Coming together to sing, dance and share stories, that’s what Mobs are about’.
A.Awege has been a part of The Torch program since 2023. Her work is deeply grounded in culture, connection to Country, and the strength of community. Through powerful visual storytelling, Awege explores themes of family, protection, and resilience, often reflecting on the realities of incarceration and the ongoing impact of intergenerational trauma.
Her paintings are rich with symbolism – footprints, birds, and ochre landscapes weave narratives of identity, healing, and hope. She speaks through her art of a desire for freedom, freedom for her people to celebrate culture without constraint. Awege’s use of vibrant colours, traditional dotwork, and layered meaning expresses both personal memory and collective strength, calling for unity, cultural celebration, and the protection of Country and kin.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Resources
Strong Born is a communications campaign aimed at raising awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and the dangers of alcohol consumption during pregnancy and breastfeeding, specifically within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in rural and remote areas. The campaign also focuses on supporting individuals with FASD, their families, and carers by providing information about FASD and available services.
Developed by NACCHO in partnership with the National FASD Campaign Working Group, Strong Born is informed by cultural and clinical experts, including staff from Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs).
Strong Born is part of the National Information Campaign for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women and is supported by FARE (Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education) and the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care.
RECONCILIATION COMMITMENT 2024
NOFASD is a government-funded national organisation with a longstanding commitment over 25 years to raising awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Our primary focus is to increase access to diagnosis and to improve the quality-of-life outcomes for all individuals affected by FASD and their families and caregivers.
It is essential to recognise that, due to the ongoing implications of colonisation and resulting trauma, FASD and the harms of alcohol use has emerged as an additional health burden for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Alcohol doesn’t discriminate; wherever there is alcohol, there is a risk of FASD. We acknowledge the profound impact this has had on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and it is factually wrong to say that there has been no lasting impact. NOFASD is saddened that much of the commentary before and after the referendum was hurtful. Our thoughts are with all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as they seek to navigate the ongoing debate, the disappointing outcome and to work on the best way forward. We express our sincere apologies for the loss and grief experienced by communities due to the effects of colonisation.
As an important part of healing and shared understanding our commitment to the spirit of reconciliation remains unwavering. We are dedicated to creating a culturally safe and welcoming environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples seeking advice, guidance, or information about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
Together, we strive for a better future.
Aboriginal wisdom in the FASD space shifts your knowing, being and doing
True or Gammon: FASD Ep 1- Is it safe to drink when you’re pregnant?
Camille and Tahnee talk out stories about drinking grog and pregnancy and decide whether it’s true or gammon!
True or Gammon: FASD Ep 2 What about Dad?
Camille and Tahnee talk out stories about drinking grog and pregnancy and decide whether it’s true or gammon!
True or Gammon: FASD Ep. 3 Helping kids with FASD Camille and Tahnee talk out stories about drinking grog and pregnancy and decide whether it’s true or gammon! It’s never too late to get help!
The Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet (a free web resource) has been helping to close the gap in health between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and other Australians by making the evidence base freely
Yarning about Alcohol & Pregnancy brochure provides important information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities about the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy. It explains how alcohol can affect the baby’s development, leading to lifelong challenges such as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). The brochure also offers tips and support for making healthy choices during pregnancy to ensure the best outcomes for both mother and baby.
Making FASD History in the Pilbara: Tracy’s Story
Resources
FASD Hub for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities offers culturally safe resources to raise awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and its impact. It provides information on FASD prevention, diagnosis, and support services tailored for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The platform emphasises the importance of trauma-informed approaches and encourages community-led solutions for families affected by FASD.
Replanting the Birthing Trees project aims to address intergenerational trauma and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents and babies. Led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander experts, the initiative focuses on providing culturally safe, trauma-integrated perinatal care during the critical first 2000 days of a child’s life. The project seeks to transform cycles of trauma into nurturing and recovery by reforming health systems and establishing holistic care practices.
Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s Indigenous Resources page provides culturally appropriate resources to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities address alcohol and drug-related issues. The resources cover a range of topics, including alcohol and drug facts, treatment options, and support for health and wellbeing. Developed in collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service providers, these tools aim to support individuals and families in making informed health decisions.
Alcohol and Other Drugs Knowledge Centre provides key information about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), its impacts, and how it can be prevented. The page highlights the importance of avoiding alcohol during pregnancy, early diagnosis, and management strategies to improve outcomes for individuals affected by FASD. It also emphasises the role of health professionals in screening and supporting pregnant women and offers resources for both families and healthcare providers.
Positive Choices website offers culturally appropriate resources on drug and alcohol prevention for teachers, families, and students. Developed with input from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members, the site features personal stories from students, highlighting the strength of their culture. The factsheets are also narrated, assisting accessibility in communities.
DrinkWise has produced a series of educational videos, featuring well-known Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander personalities and sports stars, Shaun Burgoyne, Tim Kelly, Deborah Mailman, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Aliesha Newman, Michael O’Loughlin and Aaron Pedersen. These videos have been produced for educational use and have been successfully integrated into school and community programs, as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical practices.
Grog in pregnancy videos – partners, women and men, community members share information with one another about drinking alcohol and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). These videos are created by the Australian Indigenous Health Bulletin
Alcohol, tobacco and other drugs during pregnancy and breastfeeding – PDF – Illustrated, easy to ready PDF booklet for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples wanting to learn more about alcohol, tobacco and other drugs during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) and complex trauma A resource for educators – The Marulu Team has developed resources to increase knowledge of FASD and Complex trauma. They launched the book Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) and complex trauma: A resource for educators.
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) and early life trauma: What early childhood educators need to know starts from the belief that all children can learn, and will learn to the best of their abilities when there is a well-trained, knowledgeable, respectful and compassionate workforce who can identify needs an concerns early, and refer children for professional therapeutic intervention and support when required. This resource is the third in a series written and published by the Marninwarntikura Women’s Resource Centre. Whilst it was written with early childhood educators in mind, Emily Carter, CEO for MWRC advises in the books introduction that this resource is relevant for a much wider audience.
B.Strong in Pregnancy and Early Life module offers training for healthcare and community workers to support smoking cessation, nutrition, and physical activity interventions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients. The program emphasises the importance of family health decision-making to give babies the best start in life. Developed by Menzies School of Health Research for Queensland Health, this one-hour eLearning module is tailored for workers in a variety of settings, including those where smoking, alcohol, and drug use may be present.
Insight Toolkits offers a range of training, education and resources to support and enhance culturally safe alcohol and other drug practice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous practitioners across Queensland.
Strong Spirit and Mind Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander program focuses on building knowledge and skills within the alcohol, drug, and mental health sectors, working in culturally secure ways to support Aboriginal communities in Western Australia. It provides resources, training, and campaigns that promote positive social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) and harm minimisation, especially for young people and their families. The program also supports workforce development and encourages culturally informed practices.
Addressing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in Aboriginal Communities chapter begins with a description of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and examples of reported prevalence of FASD in the international context. It then draws on international and Australian studies to describe the burden of FASD, including studies relevant to the Aboriginal population.
13YARN – If you, or someone you know, are feeling worried or no good, we encourage you to connect with 13YARN on 13 92 76 (24 hours/7 days) and talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter. This is your story; your journey and we will take the time to listen. No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. We’re here for you.