BreastScreen Australia – Screen with Your Sistas

Despite free access to breast screening, First Nations women continue to participate at disproportionately low rates. A lack of culturally relevant information contributes to the problem. This project set out to change that by empowering First Nations women with resources designed by them, for them. The challenge was to develop a nationally consistent yet locally adaptable approach that could be embraced by diverse communities. It required deep co-design and cultural insight to create resources that are authentic, community-driven, and empowering - building trust, encouraging participation, and supporting informed decision-making in ways that felt meaningful across the country.

This culturally responsive initiative reimagines engagement for First Nations women, fostering trust and addressing historical barriers. To promote cultural resonance, the materials were created through a collaborative co-design process with First Nations community members, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health leaders, and BreastScreen services. They feature First Nations artwork, are written in accessible language and incorporate community-driven narratives, capturing the diversity of Country to ensure Indigenous women see themselves reflected in the materials. Grounded in cultural strength and community insight, the materials are dynamic, inclusive, and empower First Nations women to take charge of their health.

This initiative is transforming First Nations women’s health engagement, embedding cultural safety, representation, and storytelling into breast screening communications. Co-designed materials have been embraced by state and territory BreastScreen services, ensuring widespread reach and impact. Early feedback from First Nations women indicates increased awareness, confidence, and willingness to participate in screening. By normalising breast health conversations, fostering trust and showcasing First Nations women, this project is shifting attitudes and behaviors. With the power to drive generational change, it strengthens health autonomy, contributes to Closing the Gap targets, and paves the way for improved long-term health outcomes in First Nations communities.

- A culturally safe approach developed through extensive co-design with First Nations women across urban, remote and rural settings, ensuring authenticity and resonance. - Bespoke First Nations artwork commissioned from Gomeroi artist Caitlin Trindall, supported by custom illustrations, embedding cultural storytelling and identity throughout. - Flexible templates allow for local adaptation, ensuring state and territory services can integrate their branding while maintaining message integrity. - Use of plain language and familiar terminology ensures accessibility and comprehension across diverse communities, including those for whom English is a second language. - Development of multi-platform resources, including posters, brochures, tote bags, enamel pins, and digital assets, maximises engagement across communities, geographies and diversity in digital literacy. - Use of strength-based messaging shifts the narrative from fear-based health messaging to empowerment, self-determination, and community support. - Over 30 engagement sessions with First Nations women, resulting in meaningful, lived-experience-informed resources. - A scalable and replicable model designed to be expanded for other health screening programs targeting First Nations communities.