Audrey's Story

The inspiring story of Audrey from Indigenous Australia – a participant in one of Caritas Australia's development programs whose life has changed with your support. Download resources

Audrey is a Bardi woman from Djarindjin, a remote community 200km north of Broome in Western Australia. As is sadly true of many Australian Indigenous communities, the rates of ‘lifestyle’ diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and kidney failure run high in Djarindjin. Just a few years ago the diabetes rates in Audrey’s community were well over 30 percent; many times higher than the Australian average.

With your solidarity, Caritas Australia works in partnership with the Unity of First People of Australia (UFPA) to run a holistic, community-owned Diabetes Management and Care Program in Djarindjin and eight other remote communities across the Kimberley region. With an emphasis on the dignity of wellness, the program strives to prevent diseases like diabetes and to improve healthcare across these vulnerable communities.

Audrey and her husband first heard about the program in 2005 when UFPA’s staff visited her children’s school. Audrey was eager to support her family’s health and on learning about the wellness initiative, she decided to do her part to make her community a healthier one.

“Aboriginal people die too young from diabetes – it is important to stop this,” Audrey told us. “There are lots of people with diabetes here but before, people didn’t know about it.”

Audrey encouraged families to attend an initial community health assessment and many adults and children were found to be overweight – a significant risk factor for chronic diseases. The assessments were a challenging new step for the community but with Audrey’s support, UFPA welcomed families on a journey towards wellness.

In partnership with local Aboriginal communities, UFPA trains volunteer carers, like Audrey, who help their communities deal with and prevent ‘lifestyle’ diseases like diabetes. Audrey now encourages families in Djarindjin to make preventive lifestyle and dietary changes, as well as enhancing the quality of life for those people already affected by diabetes.

All nine communities supported by Caritas Australia and UPFA have seen sustained behaviour changes, including edible community gardens, community cooking classes, school breakfast programs managed by teachers and parents, and diabetes and nutrition education programs. Increasingly, the community stores are stocking healthy food choices, communities are embracing new leisure and sports initiatives, and the Elders are regaining their place as community leaders.

Through their consistent and respectful local presence, culturally-appropriate initiatives, and frequent consultations, UFPA’s program has built close and trusting relationships with communities; bridging the gap between remote communities and mainstream medical, government and educational services.

As the program goes from strength to strength, people are starting to take control of their own wellbeing. Indeed, at Djarindjin’s most recent health assessment there was not a single new case of diabetes recorded – an enormous credit to the partnership of UFPA and the communities.

“Now there are less people with diabetes; people are looking after themselves,” said Audrey. “But diabetes is still a big challenge for our community. We’re trying to slow things down by drinking water and eating less sweets and takeaway.”

As a scout leader and member of the Djarindjin Community Council, Audrey is a valuable advocate for UFPA’s health and wellness program. “Perhaps the greatest satisfaction I’ve felt is knowing how good my own results were by going to the clinic and checking my sugar levels.”

It is with a sense of pride that communities across the Kimberley have embraced wellness initiatives that champion their rights and dignity. Thanks to your support, Caritas Australia and our local partners are reducing the gap in health status between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians.

My hope for the future of our community is for better health. Thank you for bringing this program to our community."