
To Be Born Upon a Pandanus Mat
Yothuw gayatha dhäwal’ guyaŋa’ nharaw: Redesigning maternity services for Yolŋu mothers and babies living on Elcho Island Northern Territory (NT), using Birthing on Country principles and the RISE translational Framework, to reduce preterm birth and improve health outcomes: A prospective, non-randomised, intervention trial
Painting & Photograph by: Pat Josse
To Be Born Upon a Pandanus Mat
Yothuw gayatha dhäwal’ guyaŋa’ nharaw
The study builds on the Caring for Mum on Country project and aims to establish and evaluate Australia’s ‘Birthing on Country’ very remote, demonstration site in Galiwin’ku, Elcho Island, Arnhem Land. We will redesign the health service to increase continuity and quality of maternity care as Yolŋu women move through services in Galiwin’ku, Nhulunbuy and Darwin. We will facilitate early medical and allied health referral for women with complex needs and chronic conditions and enable Yolŋu to use Indigenous knowledges across the first 1,000 days by providing djäkamirr (Indigenous doula) support to women during pregnancy, childbirth and until baby turns 2-years old. Improving midwifery care and support through clinical and cultural supervision and greater integration of care and services across the jurisdiction is a key strategy. We will increase Yolŋu engagement, governance, and control as we develop community reproductive health data reports to facilitate reproductive health literacy. The clinical efficacy, acceptability, cost-effectiveness, and cost-benefit of the very remote ‘Birthing on Country’ will be systematically evaluated.

We are currently offering a generous PhD scholarship to a passionate student.
Scholarship Package
Commencing in 2023, the successful applicant will be paid an annual stipend of $40,000 - over $10,000 more
than a standard Research Training Program (RTP) stipend! 3 - 3.5 years + tuition waiver for candidature period.
Eligibility
Prospective applicants should be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, meet the entry requirements for
PhD as defined by CDU admission guidelines & graduated with high distinction or top 5-10% or achieved a GPA of more than 85%.
To lodge an expression of interest please contact by email sarah.ireland@cdu.edu.au or mobile 0477 786 243
Project Supporter
The Pandanus Childbirth Mat, Photograph P.Josse
Research Team
Chief Investigators
A/Prof Elaine Ḻäwurrpa Maypilama
Ms Rosemary Gundjarraŋbuy
Dr Christine Connors
Partner Investigators
Dept of Health NT
Dr Christine Connors
Adjunct Prof Michelle (Mish) Hill
Adjunct Prof Belinda Jennings
Ms Theresa Clasquin
Ms Mary-Clare Arkcoll
Dr Kiarna Brown
Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation
Ms Laura Hinds
Dr Lou Sanderson
Dr Brownyn Rossingh
Ms Djaparri Mununggurritj
Australian Red Cross
Ms Nancy Rarrkminy Gondarra
Yalu Aboriginal Corporation
Ms Dorothy Yuŋgirrŋa Bukulatjpi
Ms Anahita Tonkin
CareFlight
Ms Amanda Quinn
Australian Doula College
Ms Renee Adair
Commonwealth Department of Health
Mr Ben Mudaliar
Ms Claire Clack
Ms Tais Topal Silva
Ms Micaela Williams
Dr Wendy Page

