Bringing 'Baby Coming You Ready?' to the Kimberley
Midwives, doctors and child health nurses from WA Country Health Service and healthcare professionals from Derby Aboriginal Health Service recently took part in the rollout of the ‘Baby Coming You Ready?’ platform in the West Kimberley.
Developed by Murdoch University, ‘Baby Coming You Ready?’ (BCYR) is a culturally safe digital app and screening tool designed to improve communication and mental health support for Aboriginal mothers and fathers.
WA Country Health Service Graduate Officer (Public Health) Sarina Aba-Bulgu and Project Manager – Midwife Tarryn Sharp travelled to Derby to take part in BCYR program training, which explores culturally safe, respectful and responsive maternity care for Aboriginal women and families.
Delivered by Trish Ratajczak from Murdoch University's Ngangk Yira Institute for Change and funded by Department of Health, the visit supported the delivery of the BCYR training program for rural and remote midwives and health practitioners across the Kimberley.
While training was a valuable professional development opportunity, some of the most meaningful learning happened outside the training room.
Spending time on Country and listening to the experiences and perspectives of local leaders reinforced the importance of building genuine relationships, engaging in active listening, and taking the time to understand the diverse healthcare needs of Aboriginal people and their communities.
The trip also highlighted the strong connection between Country, culture and wellbeing – an important reminder that healthcare is about more than just clinical care – it is also about trust, respect, and listening with empathy.
Sarina said the experience provided a deeper appreciation of Dadirri (meaning deep listening in the Ngan'gikurunggurr and Ngen'giwumirri languages of the Aboriginal commmunities of the Daly River region in the Northern Territory), and how we must learn from others.
“I would like to thank the Ngangk Yira Institute for Change, Trish Ratajczak, Tarryn Sharp, and the health professionals and community leaders who generously shared their knowledge, stories and experiences throughout the visit,” Sarina said.
“The experience served as a reminder that some of the most valuable lessons come from stepping outside the office, getting out into community, and listening to people’s stories.”
Executive Director Kimberley Lisa Barnes said BCYR plays an important role in supporting country WA Aboriginal families throughout pregnancy and early parenthood.
“It is particularly valuable for rural and remote Aboriginal families, where culturally appropriate services can help overcome barriers to accessing healthcare and ensure families receive the support they need close to home and on-Country,” Lisa said.
“While developed on Noongar Boodjar (with cultural guidance from the Elders Cultural Safety group) it is recognised that Aboriginal people and their communities are culturally diverse – which is why the training uptake across WACHS is crucial.
“The cultural adaptability of the program means that with appropriate, respectful, safe and responsive localised community consultation, the BCYR can be tailored to suit the many diverse cultural and language groups who live across country WA.”