Angela Webb – Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Engagement Manager
My name’s Angela Webb. I’m a proud Gumbaynggirr Yaegl woman from the mid north coast of New South Wales and I’m the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Engagement Manager at HeartKids. Recently, I visited the Northern Rivers region of NSW—a place that has faced extraordinary challenges, with record-breaking rainfall and devastating floods since 2022.
When I think about why I do this work with HeartKids, it always comes back to the people—the children, the families (some of my family members), the communities who live every day with childhood-onset heart disease (CoHD) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Our mission is simple on paper: support, empower, and advocate. But living it, seeing it up close, is something else entirely.
Connecting with the Northern Rivers Aboriginal Community has been one of the most meaningful experiences for me this year. It’s connection. It’s stories. It’s trust. It’s sitting in a circle, on country, listening and learning from Elders and knowledge holders. It was about showing up, not just with resources and information, but with respect and a willingness to walk beside Aboriginal communities—on their terms, in their spaces, on their country.
Walking Together
This visit marked a significant step forward for HeartKids as we partner with the Aboriginal Community Health Promotion Team at Grafton Base Hospital. Our shared goal is to better understand healthcare gaps and build greater awareness and education around ARF and RHD in Northern Rivers Aboriginal communities.
We know that real change begins with genuine relationships. That’s why we are committed to a strategic approach that honours traditional knowledge and empowers communities, not just for today, but for generations to come.
Our Approach: Culturally Safe, Community-Led
- Culturally Safe Resources:
Through this tour and connection with community, we were able to deliver resources designed to resonate with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples navigating RHD in their communities—resources that not only inform but also empower early intervention for ARF and RHD.
- Empowerment Through Education:
Education is most powerful when it’s relevant and respectful. Our resources and information are shaped by community voices, ensuring information is accessible and meaningful for individuals, families, and communities.
- Community Events Participation
By being present at key events—like the Aboriginal Culture & Careers Day at South Grafton High School—we connected directly with young people, listen to their questions, and support their journey to better heart health. They were keen to learn more about RHD and its impacts.
- Relationship Building:
Our message was we’re here for the long haul. Our focus is on nurturing lasting relationships with community members and strengthening our partnerships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs).
- Awareness:
We worked to raise the HeartKids profile in the Northern Rivers, ensuring our support and resources are visible, accessible, and trusted.
Community in Action: Stories from the Road
Our visits included the Baryulgil Public School and Mulabugilmah communities – which was truly inspiring. Sharing RHD information, yarning with kids and teachers, and seeing the curiosity and engagement firsthand reminded us why this work matters.
At Gummyaney Preschool, we were welcomed with open arms. Parents shared their journeys with CoHD and RHD—stories that were both moving and enlightening. The children’s enthusiasm was infectious as they sang their hygiene song in Gumbaynggirr and listened to their own heartbeats through a stethoscope after running on the spot.
Our yarning circle in Coraki with families was another highlight. We created a safe space for open conversation, where families spoke honestly about their experiences. HeartKids care packs – featuring our Strong Hearts Strong Mob artwork and filled with resources and items promoting strong heart health – were a hit. Local schools have already invited us back to speak more about RHD.
At South Grafton High School’s Aboriginal Culture and Career Day, teens impressed us with their insightful questions about heart health. Their engagement showed us the importance of meeting young people where they are ‘on their country’ and having those respectful conversations.
Kulai Aboriginal Preschool also provided valuable insights into the needs of families living with CoHD, reinforcing the importance of ongoing education and support. Educators were keen to learn more around RHD and the effects.
And who could forget the HeartKids bicycles? Children, teens and families were all eager to fill out our RHD questionnaire and learn more about heart health – and win a bike! (Many thanks to Cath, Martine and Team for organising!).
Gratitude: The Power of Community
This work would not be possible without the dedication and generosity of so many. A heartfelt thank you to:
Carl Daley, Senior Aboriginal Health Worker, GBH for his invaluable knowledge and community connections. He was our chauffer and provided the deadliest yarns on our trip.
Jenny Orcher, Nurse Researcher, for her expertise and support for families. Her connections to the paediatric & health specialists will be a game changer for future endeavours.
Margot Pitman, Teen and Young Adult Program Coordinator, for her ability to connect and inspire teens. It was a true pleasure having Margot support us on the road trip.
Jess Keating – COO providing ongoing support and leadership to this project. Her understanding and ‘let’s just do it’ attitude is invaluable.
Becky Oakley – Communications & Digital Manager & Team – organising collateral, appropriate materials and promotional items in a timely and organised manner.
Aunty Gloria, for her legendary dampers and fried scones, which brought warmth and joy to every visit. WHAT A LEGEND!!!
Looking Ahead: Sustaining Change
The Northern Rivers RHD Community visit was about more than just information sharing – it was about building trust, breaking down barriers, and advocating for long-term, sustainable health improvements for communities navigating RHD. We are honoured to walk this path alongside the communities we serve, learning and growing together.
Every conversation, every shared story, and every new connection brings us closer to a future where all children and families—regardless of where they live—have the heart health support they need and deserve.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we are building stronger hearts and stronger communities.
