Background
Stroke is a priority in the Gomeroi/Gamilaraay community. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experience higher stroke incidence, younger age of onset and poorer outcomes compared with non-Indigenous Australians, reflecting inequities in access to culturally safe and timely care. Community members described concerns about calling 000, attending hospital during stroke events, regional isolation, transgenerational trauma, experiences of culturally unsafe care and limited access to culturally relevant stroke information.
Aims
Led by the Gomeroi/Gamilaraay community, this project aimed to improve access to timely and comprehensive stroke care by co‑creating culturally safe video messages that support stroke symptom recognition, respond to their concerns and demystify the experience across the continuum of care.
Methods
Using a community‑led approach grounded in self‑determination, survivors of stroke, family members and Aboriginal health staff designed and filmed a series of short videos. Visual storytelling and lived experience portrayed the stroke care journey, from symptom recognition and calling 000, through to hospital assessment, treatment and recovery. Filming took place on Country under Aboriginal leadership, with clinical support from health professionals.
Results
A culturally relevant Filmed By the Mob for the Mob video series was produced and shared across the region. Community members described the visual, story‑based messages as relatable, memorable and meaningful.
Conclusion
Community‑led video storytelling is an effective and culturally safe approach to stroke education. Filmed By the Mob for the Mob supports earlier help‑seeking, improves understanding of stroke care pathways and strengthens trust between Aboriginal communities and health services.