South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide University
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are Australia’s First Scientists. Wardliparingga Aboriginal Health Equity at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, continues this legacy by embedding Aboriginal ways of knowing being and doing in our research.
The Aboriginal-led Walk Strong, Walk Tall Program was delivered across South Australia to help prevent and better manage foot disease for Aboriginal people.
The program connected with local communities, shared practical tips and encouraged people to get help early. It educated community about diabetes complications, foot health, foot-care items and shoes, to make daily foot care easier. Community resources and short videos created a focus on preventing serious complications, including avoidable amputations.
The program has created a stronger culturally safe health system – through training to grow foot health knowledge and supported by cultural awareness learning to help services be more respectful and effective.
It has also supported prevention in schools by sharing curriculum resources, engaged Indigenous businesses, expanded access to podiatry through new clinic services, and provided specialist equipment to Aboriginal health services.
Together, these efforts are helping people stay active, reducing hospital visits and healthcare costs, and supporting participation in family life, school and work.
