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Welcome
The Institute for First Nations Birth Rights was established as a strategic investment by Charles Darwin University and is named in honour of Molly Wardaguga (1938-2009). Molly represents the mothers (and grandmothers) who hold sacred our birthing practices from across millennium and celebrates birthing as the first ceremony - the first opportunity for baby to be connected to country, culture, and community.
The Institute has a transdisciplinary team from across Australia that contribute to the evidence base of initiatives from pregnancy into early years. Working with Aboriginal community-controlled health services, as centres of excellence, we aim to work within governance frameworks that drive and embed First Nations leadership in data sovereignty and research methodologies. CDU’s Molly Wardaguga Institute for First Nations Birth Rights is part of a global movement for ‘Birthing on Country' and we see this as a call to action for ‘Black Lives Matter’. Our work is with intention and with urgency in working towards change, understanding these changes are fundamental and foundational to nation building for our First Nations people.
- Professor Yvette Roe, Director
A National Roadmap for Birthing on Country Services 2025-2035
The National Roadmap for Birthing on Country Services 2025–2035 outlines a groundbreaking, 10-year plan to transform maternity care for First Nations families in Australia. Co-designed with over 245 stakeholders, the Roadmap calls for culturally safe, community-led services that honour Indigenous knowledge and aim to close longstanding health gaps.
Molly's Legacy
Molly Wardaguga (1938-2009) was a Burarra Elder, Aboriginal Midwife, Senior Aboriginal Health Worker and founding member of the Malabam (now Malal’a) Health Board in Maningrida, Arnhem Land. Molly worked extensively to improve First Nations health with a focus on returning birthing services to First Nations communities. She was an important contributor to the Australian discourse regarding the importance of Birthing on Country and her work galvanised many advocates to improve child and maternity services for First Nations Australians. Read Molly’s story.
Molly's vision will endure through the work of the Institute.
News
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A National Roadmap for Birthing on Country Services 2025-2035
The National Roadmap for Birthing on Country Services 2025–2035 outlines a groundbreaking, 10-year plan to transform maternity care for First Nations families in Australia. Co-designed with over 245 stakeholders, the Roadmap calls for culturally safe, community-led services that honour Indigenous knowledge and aim to close longstanding health gaps. It proposes systemic reform, including increased access to Birthing on Country Services, workforce development, and legislative change aligned with key national commitments like Closing the Gap. The goal: healthier mothers and babies, empowered communities, and a more just healthcare system.
Find out more -
Best Start To Life: a national gathering report
BSTL showcased innovative, translational research, and leading practice changes from around the country, attracting significant national interest.
The Best Start to Life gathering was a tremendous success. In the words of our delegates, it was inspiring, brilliant, powerful, or quite simply “the best conference I’ve ever attended!”
Read report now -
Molly Wardaguga Research Centre secures $5 million to support First Nations maternal health
Charles Darwin University’s (CDU) Molly Wardaguga Research Centre has welcomed $5 million in this year’s budget for the Birthing On Country project to support First Nations mothers and their babies in remote communities for the next five years.
Read more
Get in touch with us
Molly Wardaguga Institute
Faculty of Health
Building Blue 5
Charles Darwin University
Ellengowan Dr, Casuarina, 0815
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The Molly Wardaguga Institute acknowledges First Nations Peoples, knowledge, and stories of this land. We celebrate Country and the enduring connection and strength of First Nations culture. We pay our respects to Elders and Ancestors who guide us and our communities as we support First Nations families to meet their maternal and wellbeing aspirations. Our primary research office is located on the unceded lands of the Larrakia Nation (Saltwater People) at CDU Casuarina Campus in Garramilla/Darwin.
⚠️ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this website, linked publications, and content may contain images, voices and names of people who have passed.
