Indigenous-led research initiative Deadly Dreaming has been awarded a major national grant, marking a powerful step forward in reshaping how ageing and dementia care is understood and delivered for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Government data shows dementia impacts First Nations communities at a significantly higher rate, yet there are systemic barriers to accessing care.
The project, led by the University of Newcastle, Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), Yakuway Indigenous Corporation, Hunter Primary Care, and a respected Elders Advisory Group, addresses these inequities through cultural reconnection, truth-telling, and community-driven reform, grounded on Country.
Key Points
- Deadly Dreaming awarded more than $2.8 million dollars
- Project aims to transform ageing and dementia care equity
- Indigenous-led team centres Elders as cultural authorities
- On-Country gatherings planned across Awabakal, Worimi, Wonnarua Country
- Digital Yarnin Library to preserve Elders’ stories and teachings
- Partners include University of Newcastle, HMRI, Yakuway, Hunter Primary Care
Gamilaraay woman and Chief Investigator of the project from the University of Newcastle, Dr Jennifer Rumbel, said the recent grant announcement represents a long-awaited shift.
“Deadly Dreaming provides a unique approach which aims to address the significant health inequalities experienced by our Elders through a holistic focus on cultural and spiritual strengths, while utilising cutting edge imaging facilities,” she said.
“It is about restoring cultural authority to our Elders. Their stories, their wisdom, and their connection to Country are central to how we understand ageing and wellbeing through our relationship and connection to each other and Country.”
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Australia’s leading body for health and medical research funding, in partnership with Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), awarded more than $2.8 million dollars for Deadly Dreaming.
Grounded in culture, community and Country, the project places Elders at the centre of the research process as cultural authorities and co-researchers rather than passive participants.
“This work is incredibly important in keeping our stories and Elders strong and I feel very honoured to be part of the process,” Dr Rumbel said.
A core component of the project is a series of On-Country gatherings across Awabakal, Worimi, and Wonnarua Country, where Elders will share stories, reconnect with sacred places, and guide intergenerational knowledge exchange.
Anaiwan, Wonnarua and Kamilaroi man, Malcolm Smith, who is a co-investigator on the project from Yakuway Indigenous Corporation, emphasised the community-led nature of the work.
“When cultural insight leads, we don’t just improve outcomes – we strengthen identity, connection and ensure our Elders’ knowledge is carried forward,” Mr Smith said.
Elder engagement activities
Yakuway Indigenous Corporation is a Hunter-based not-for-profit community organisation aiming to address issues relating to mental, social, physical and emotional health and wellbeing of Indigenous people in the region.
Hunter Primary Care, a not-for-profit organisation providing health and wellbeing services to the Newcastle and Hunter community for over 30 years, will also partner with Yakuway Indigenous Corporation to support the project’s yarning and Elder engagement activities.
Another key component is to establish a digital ‘Yarnin Library,’ which will be a community-owned digital platform preserving Elders’ stories and cultural teachings for future generations. This living archive will support health promotion, intergenerational learning, and cultural continuity.
Deadly Dreaming will further strengthen Indigenous research leadership at the University of Newcastle by supporting two Indigenous PhD candidates and creating pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Indigenous methodology and Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP).
Strong cultural governance
It’s a part of growing the strength of community-driven research, according to Professor Frances Kay, Institute Director and CEO of the Hunter Medical Research Institute.
“Deadly Dreaming shows what is possible when cultural knowledge and scientific expertise walk together,” she said.
“By grounding dementia and ageing research in story and community leadership, we are helping build a future where care is not only clinically effective, but deeply respectful of the wisdom held by Elders.”
With its strong cultural governance, the team behind Deadly Dreaming hope to establish a scalable model for culturally grounded ageing and dementia care across Australia.
