Our First Nations Commitment
The First Nations Group at Gidget Foundation Australia exists to elevate and centre the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in shaping how we support perinatal emotional wellbeing. Guided by our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan, this group plays a critical role in deepening our understanding of First Nations cultures, histories, and community needs, recognising the significant and enduring impacts of colonisation and the disproportionately high rates of perinatal depression and anxiety (PNDA) experienced in these communities, particularly in regional and remote areas where access to culturally safe perinatal care may be limited.
We are committed to listening, learning, and walking alongside First Nations peoples—recognising their deep knowledge, lived experiences, and enduring strength. By fostering relationships with First Nations Elders and community members, the group helps Gidget Foundation Australia to build genuine connections with First Nations families on their parenting journey, while promoting, equity, and truth-telling as part of our broader commitment to reconciliation and closing the gap in maternal mental health. Through collaboration with First Nations Ambassadors and individuals with lived experience of perinatal mental health challenges, the group ensures that our approach is not only inclusive but led by community perspectives.
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We All Belong
Gidget Foundation Australia acknowledges the continuing connection to culture, lands, waterways, and communities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and we pay our respects to past and present Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia.
We pay our respects to the Ancestors, Elders and storytellers who have maintained spiritual customs of Women’s Business and Men’s Business passing ancestral knowledge through generations of Kin. From Kinship care, from Aunty to mother, to daughter, to sister. From Uncle to father, to son, to brother. Connecting Mother Earth and Father Sky for all generations and community to thrive.
Gidget Foundation Australia delivers our services from many First Nations Countries across Australia. The above acknowledgement, developed by the First Nations Group aims to recognise, honour and reflect on the strength in Aboriginal cultures and acknowledge the importance of family, kin and connection upon the birth of a new baby and birth of the parents.
First Nations Commitment
To mark our 20th anniversary since inception, Gidget Foundation Australia embarked on a cultural awareness program to ensure that every aspect of our organisation and our supportive treatment services are both diverse and inclusive in nature.
All of our Clinicians are encouraged to be culturally competent, and we have a regular Working Group dedicated to the advancement of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
A Story for Parent and Bub
This book reminds us that when you're a new mama or papa, there will be days when you feel no good and down. Connecting with culture, mob, and Country can help you feel strong again.
We all belong
In 2021 we commissioned renowned Aboriginal artist and proud Yuin woman, Rheanna Lotter, to create an adaptation of our imperfect gerbera logo. This artwork is representative of our organisation and is titled, We All Belong. This artwork represents the story, mission and values of Gidget Foundation Australia.
A Word from the Artist
The middle of the artwork represents the core of the Foundation, with the surrounding circles representing all our values – we are connected and our lines never break. All the dots outside the values represent all the people Gidget Foundation Australia has supported, is currently supporting and everyone we hope to support in the future. Dots of all different colours and sizes; this acknowledges how unique and diverse we are. We all belong."
First Nations Advisory Group
This group is essential in supporting Gidget Foundation Australia to contribute meaningfully to building more responsive, respectful, and empowering perinatal mental health support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.
Members
GFA Family Members
I take pride in being able to Chair the First Nations Group on behalf of the Board, Founders and Gidget Foundation Australia team. The release of Gidget Foundation Australia’s first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) officially commits our vision for reconciliation not just in gestures and words, but in the very way we work and live. This Group is focussed on the opportunities for us to embed understanding and celebration of First Nations Peoples and culture in our organisation, build new partnerships and expand our connection at the personal, organisational and community levels.