In this special NAIDOC Week episode of The Meaning of Health podcast, Ingrid is joined by Associate Professor Aunty Vicky Wade and Professor Bep Uink for a discussion about the importance of heart health among Noongar women and Aboriginal communities more broadly. Together, they explore the central role of Noongar women as matriarchs, healers, and cultural leaders, and how these responsibilities connect deeply with physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing.

Aunty Vicky shares her journey as a Noongar woman and cardiac nurse with over 40 years of experience, highlighting the significant burden of cardiovascular disease on Aboriginal women, who face much higher risks of heart disease and early death than non-Aboriginal women. Bep talks about her background in social and emotional wellbeing research and being appointed as the first woman and first Aboriginal Director of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet. Together they discuss how cultural safety involves recognising different worldviews and building genuine connections between healthcare providers and patients.

Aunty Vicky and Bep share their hope and optimism for the future as part of this year’s NAIDOC theme The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy, and how they are inspired by the resilience and strength of Noongar women and the growing leadership of younger generations. They encourage Aboriginal women to prioritize their own health and seek heart health checks, reinforcing that knowledge and empowerment are key to creating lasting change.

Listeners can explore NAIDOC week history and activities at naidoc.org.au

The Australian CVD risk calculator discussed can be found at https://www.cvdcheck.org.au/calculator

The heart age calculator is available at https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/heart-age-calculator
The 2025 guidelines for the diagnosis and management of rheumatic heart disease can be found here: https://rhdaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Australian-ARF-RHD-Guideline-2025.pdf

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