Miwatj and Deadly Choices Unite to Empower Yolŋu Communities

Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation and Deadly Choices Unite to Empower Yolŋu Communities Through Healthy Lifestyle Initiative

Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation and Deadly Choices are proud to announce a new partnership aimed at empowering Yolŋu communities across East Arnhem Land through a culturally driven healthy lifestyle initiative, officially launched today at Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation’s Board meeting in Nhulunbuy.

This collaborative effort marks a significant milestone in advancing preventative health strategies in remote Yolŋu communities, with a strong focus on health education, and connection to culturally safe clinical services.

“Miwatj Aboriginal Health Corporation, servicing Yolŋu people in East Arnhem Land, is proud to partner with Deadly Choices. Our vision is Self-Determined Yolŋu, and we know regular, culturally safe health checks are vital to shaping health journeys. This partnership will support our vision and encourage healthier East Arnhem communities.

“We are proud to partner with Deadly Choices to bring this powerful initiative to our region. By combining cultural strength with proactive health education, we can support our families to make ‘deadly choices’ every day—choices that lead to longer, healthier lives.” – Steve Rossingh, Chief Executive Officer, Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation

The event brought together the Miwatj Health Board, clinical and outreach staff, and local community members, while proud Dalabon man and Brisbane Lions player, Keidean Coleman, visited Elcho Island in Galiwin’ku as a Deadly Choices Ambassador to celebrate the shared commitment to a healthier future for Yolŋuty.

The partnership leverages Deadly Choices’ nationally recognised branding and programs—including healthy lifestyle campaigns, school-based education, and incentive-driven health checks—with Miwatj Health’s deep-rooted clinical expertise and community trust throughout the region.

Deadly Choices empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to make healthy choices for themselves and their families, such as eating nutritious food, being physically active, not smoking or vaping and connecting with their local Community Controlled Health Service for a 715 Health Check.

“It’s about walking together with our mob, respecting local knowledge, and empowering individuals, families and communities with the tools to take control of their health.

We’re honoured to be working with Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation and Yolŋu people across East Arnhem Land to deliver real health outcomes on the ground.” – Dallas Leon, Executive Director of Commercial Operations, Institute for Urban Indigenous Health

As part of the launch, community members were invited to yarn, schedule free 715 Health Checks, and connect with Miwatj clinical staff and outreach workers. Everyone who completed a health check received a limited edition Deadly Choices shirt, featuring artwork by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists celebrating identity, health, and connection to Country.

This joint initiative will continue to roll out across Miwatj Health service areas, supporting ongoing health promotion, chronic disease prevention, and youth engagement. Over the next two weeks, launch events for the partnership will continue to take place in local areas such as Yirrkala, Gunyaŋara, Miliŋinbi, Gapuwiyak, Galiwin’ku and Ramingiṉiŋ.

Yolŋu community members can now get a 715 Health Check and take home a Deadly Choices shirt, by booking in with their local CCHS.