BCYR was developed by a team from the Ngangk Yira Institute for Change to support Aboriginal mums and mums-to-be to yarn openly with their healthcare providers. 

The platform features Aboriginal artwork and voiceovers from Aunties talking about everything from pregnancy and birth to bringing a baby home and raising strong kids in strong communities. 

Led by trailblazing Aboriginal health researcher and midwife Professor Rhonda Marriott AM, the BCYR team has worked for a decade to shape and implement the program, working alongside Aboriginal Elders, community and clinicians to break down barriers impacting trust within clinical settings.  

Professor Marriott AM gave special recognition to Dr Jayne Kotz for her significant contribution to the development of BCYR during its foundational years.

The development of BCYR was in direct response to a critical gap in maternal health support and outcomes for Aboriginal mothers and babies in Australia.  

Since its creation, the platform has transformed these outcomes, supporting Aboriginal mums across WA to build strong and trusting relationships with their healthcare clinicians and create birth plans that suit them culturally, spiritually, physically and emotionally. 

To celebrate the launch, practitioners and researchers from the Ngangk Yira Institute for Change and South Metropolitan Health Service attended Fiona Stanley Hospital, gathering in the ‘Boodjari Bidi Clinic’ space. 

Professor Marriott AM said this launch was a deeply meaningful moment, bringing together years of Aboriginal-led research and work with community, Elders, families, clinicians and researchers. 

“Seeing BCYR embedded within a major health service gives us hope that future generations of Aboriginal children and families will experience care that is culturally safe, informed and grounded in their strengths,” Professor Marriott AM said.  

While there is still much work to do, this launch demonstrates what is possible when Aboriginal voices are at the centre of designing solutions and genuine partnerships are built on trust, respect and a shared purpose. 

Senior Aboriginal Research Fellow Trish Ratajczak travelled to the Kimberley last month to deliver the BCYR program for rural and remote midwives and health practitioners.  

She said the launch at Fiona Stanley Hospital demonstrated the power of genuine partnerships and a shared commitment to supporting the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal women throughout pregnancy. 

“This achievement reflects the dedication of Aboriginal communities, Elders, families, clinicians and researchers who have worked together to create an innovative digital platform grounded in cultural strengths and responsive to the self-identified needs of Aboriginal mothers,” she said. 

Research Fellow Nicola Dsouza added that collaboration was paramount to ensuring culturally safe care.  

“This is just the beginning of what we hope will be a long journey of strong partnerships, collaboration and continued work to ensure Aboriginal families feel heard, culturally safe and supported throughout their care.”