Acknowledgements for the Strong & Deadly Futures
Program Development
Strong & Deadly Futures was initially developed by researchers at the University of Sydney (Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, CRE in Indigenous Health & Alcohol) in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creative agency, Gilimbaa. Strong & Deadly Futures development was informed through consultations with Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous students, teachers, Aboriginal health organisations and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members. An Expert Advisory Group provided oversight and content expertise.
We sincerely thank all the people and organisations named with permission below, who generously contributed to the development of Strong & Deadly Futures. We extend our gratitude to those who have chosen to remain anonymous, yet contributed significantly to program development.
Schools (during the consultations phase)
- Lake Cargelligo Central School, NSW
- Griffith High School, NSW (now Murrumbidgee Regional High School)
- St Augustine’s College, QLD
- Unity College, QLD
Students
Teachers
Gilimbaa Aboriginal Working Group
- Jenna Lee (Larrakia)
- Jill Robinson (Bundjalung)
- Rachael Sarra (Goreng Goreng)
- David Williams (Wakka Wakka)
Gilimbaa Artists
- Jenna Lee (Larrakia)
- Jack Tierney
Original Youth Cast (pilot program)
- Alison Peacock
- Gabby Dewar
- Kai Kellert
- Myles
- Rachel Duncan
- Ruben Creed
Adult Narrators
- Corey Bobongie (Gurang Gurang and Birri tribes and South Sea Islander)
- Danielle Bradd
- Roxanne McDonald (Mandandanjii & Darambal)
- Joe Williams (Wiradjuri)
Expert Advisory Group (EAG)
- Steve Allsop (National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University)
- Nathanael Curtis (South Coast Medical Service Aboriginal Corporation)
- Kristen Ella (NSW Health)
- Michelle Elwell (Australian Indigenous Health InfoNet)
- Dennis Gray (National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University)
- Alyce Hall (Department of Health)
- Frances Kay-Lambkin (Newcastle University)
- Alice Knight (National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales)
- Christina Marel (The Matilda Centre, University of Sydney)
- Nyanda McBride (National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University)
- Kathy Ride (Family and Child Services)
- Rachael Sarra (Gilimbaa)
- Anthony Shakeshaft (National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales)
- Fiona Shand (Black Dog Institute)
- Annalee Stearne (Telethon Kids)
- Ian Watson (Gilimbaa)
- Ted Wilkes (National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University)
The development of Strong & Deadly Futures was funded by the Australian Department of Health
Program Adaptation
In the next phase of development, Strong & Deadly Futures was adapted by researchers at the Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, the University of Sydney, in collaboration with schools and communities in 24 locations and in partnership with creative agencies CAUSE/AFFECT and GARUWA. An Aboriginal Reference Group provided oversight and community expertise throughout.
We sincerely thank all the people and organisations named with permission below, who generously contributed their time and knowledge to the program adaptations. Their input directly informed the development of four regional variations tailored to the Inland, Coastal, Kimberley, and Far North Queensland regions. We also extend our gratitude to those who chose to remain anonymous yet made significant contributions.
Aboriginal Reference Group (ARG) Past and Current Members
- Professor Michael Doyle, University of Sydney (Chair)
- Bronwyn Ahsee, Woodridge State High School
- Cheryl Ah-See, University of Sydney
- Andrew Amor, Milliya Rumurra Aboriginal Corporation
- Trish B, Queensland Department of Education
- Kezie Blackledge, NSW Aboriginal Mental Health Workforce Program, Ministry of Health
- Deanne Broome, Queensland Department of Education
- Christie Cain, Orange Aboriginal Medical Service
- Lisa Dunn, Tully State High School
- Dave Edwards, Wellmob
- Michelle Elwell, Australian Indigenous Health InfoNet
- Gary Field, Barang Regional Alliance
- Adam Gollan, Orange Aboriginal Medical Service
- Terri Golding, Catholic Education WA
- Hayley Longbottom, Waminda South Coast Women’s Health and Welfare Aboriginal Corporation
- Charmaine Nicholls, Ngak Min Health
- Caterina Perry, Waminda Women’s Health and Wellbeing Organisation
- Angela Sheridan, Wellmob
- Kerry Smith, NSW Aboriginal Mental Health Workforce Program, Ministry of Health
- Betty Smith, Waminda Women’s Health and Wellbeing Organisation
- Kirby Taylor-Ferris, Queensland Department of Education
- A/Prof Scott Wilson, Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Council, SA
Research team
- Professor Lexine Stapinski (Matilda Centre, University of Sydney)
- Professor Nicola Newton (Matilda Centre, University of Sydney)
- Professor Michael Doyle (Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney)
- A/Professor Katrina Champion (Matilda Centre, University of Sydney)
- Professor Cath Chapman (Matilda Centre, University of Sydney)
- Dr Mieke Snijder (Matilda Centre, University of Sydney)
- Dr Kylie Routledge (Matilda Centre, University of Sydney)
- Professor Maree Teesson (Matilda Centre, University of Sydney)
- Professor James Ward (UQ Poche Centre for Indigenous Health)
- Professor Kylie Lee (University of Sydney)
- Professor Kate Conigrave (University of Sydney)
- Professor Tim Slade (Matilda Centre, University of Sydney)
- Dr Briana Lees (Matilda Centre, University of Sydney)
- Jimmy Perry (Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Council, SA)
- A/Professor Scott Wilson (Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Council, SA)
- Dr Kriscia Tapia (Matilda Centre, University of Sydney)
- Miss Jordon Mathers-Jones (Matilda Centre, University of Sydney)
- Dr Lucy Watchirs Smith (Matilda Centre, University of Sydney)
- Dr Lauren Garner (Matilda Centre, University of Sydney)
- Mr Tariq Hill (Matilda Centre, University of Sydney)
- Mr Stephen Knight (The Matilda Centre, University of Sydney)
CAUSE/AFFECT
- Keisha Leon, Creative Director
GARUWA
- Kieran Satour, Director
- Ramona Telecican, Producer
- Rah Dakota, Producer
- Harry Hunter, Audio EP
- Maddison Costello, Audio Producer
- Daniel Berini, Casting
- Oliver Tank, Edit and Sound Mix
- Mighty Sound, Sound Recording
Cast (voiceovers)
- Zoe Baker - Sharon, Keisha
- Jasmin Bartlett - Mackenzie
- Luke Bunyard - Joe
- Eliza Lei Cook - Amy
- Marlene Cummins - Narrator, Aunty Mona
- Amelia Daly - Emma
- Haylee Rivers - Amy's Mum
- Tory Rugless - Tahlia, Tina
- Jesse Shield - Dazza, Billy
- Aaron Simon – Uncle Frank
- Daniel Wilson – Trevor Williams, Harry
The adaptation phase of Strong & Deadly Futures was funded by the Department of Health and the National Health and Medical Research Council.
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Vaping Module
A targeted vaping prevention module is now being developed and pilot tested in collaboration with schools and communities in 6 locations in NSW, QLD and WA, and in partnership with creative agency, CAUSE/AFFECT. The module includes four co-designed, evidence-based lessons, accompanied by curriculum aligned lesson plans and teacher and student resources.
For more information, contact us: info@strongdeadly.org.au