Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers and babies

Social and cultural determinants of health shape long-term outcomes for individuals and communities. RACGP Rural spoke to Dr Natasha Pavlin from Wurli-Wurlinjang Health Service (Wurli) about the Australian Family Partnership Program (AFPP), a culturally grounded initiative supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers and babies. The dedication of Natasha and her team ensures that this evidence-based program delivers meaningful, long-lasting health outcomes.

The AFPP is adapted from a US care model that has improved maternal and child health for nearly 50 years. At Wurli, Natasha and her team have tailored it to the needs of the Katherine community. The program pairs trained nurses with Aboriginal family partnership workers who offer culturally informed guidance, ensuring holistic support for families throughout pregnancy, birth and the first two years of a child’s life.

Key to its success is trust and connection. Aboriginal family partnership workers, many of whom have deep community ties, provide invaluable cultural insight and are considered the leaders of the care given. Focusing on inclusive, holistic and cultural support ensures the program remains culturally safe and community driven.

Providing support in complex environments requires adaptability. Many Wurli participants face overcrowding or unstable housing, which complicates home visits. Natasha and her team respond with flexible solutions – meeting clients in cars, shaded outdoor spaces, or at Wurli offices equipped with child-friendly areas. These features of the program ensure mothers receive care regardless of their living circumstances.

Balancing support with independence is another aim of the program.  Whilst the AFPP provides support services for the first two years of a child’s life, the program focuses on ensuring mothers remain connected to essential support services beyond its duration.

The AFPP’s effectiveness is backed by extensive research and the program has been shown to be highly effective world-wide. Natasha and her team have been strong advocates for long term investment, stressing that short-term funding limits impact assessment and sustainability. The program’s success extends beyond immediate health outcomes. By supporting young mothers in vulnerable situations, Wurli aims to contribute towards improving education, employment opportunities and reduced interactions with the justice system.

Central to this approach is a strength-based model, focusing on participants’ abilities rather than deficits. Focusing on solutions, being the expert in their own lives and empowering participants that only small changes is necessary are some of the program’s main aims. Through yarning tools and culturally appropriate communication methods Wurli is able to foster trust and engagement, ultimately making support more effective. This culturally responsive approach has made Wurli a leader in Indigenous maternal and child health.

As the AFPP continues to grow on a national level, the team at Wurli remain focused on sustaining and enhancing their impact. With 15 sites across Australia, primarily in Aboriginal community-controlled health services, the programs reach is expanding. Yet, its success is rooted in community leadership grounded in the cultural connection and expertise of Aboriginal community partnership workers.

The work at Wurli through the AFPP demonstrates how culturally responsive, evidence-based programs can break cycles of disadvantage. By investing in initiatives like the AFPP, we take crucial steps towards health equity and a brighter future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers and their children.  

This article was written by RACGP Rural in collaboration with RACGP member Dr Natasha Pavlin from Wurli-Wurlinjang Health Service. Representing four out of five rural GPs, RACGP Rural is dedicated to highlighting the outstanding contributions of our rural healthcare workforce.