Northern Territory Government Youtube,
FilmNT,
PublicationNT,
Date
2025,
Abstract
NT Health, in collaboration with the Yuendumu Community, created the Growing Up Strong Kids animation. This culturally grounded resource supports First Nations families by promoting the importance of early emotional connection, infant brain development, and parental wellbeing.
The animation is designed to:
• Highlight how babies connect emotionally from birth
• Emphasize the role of early relationships in lifelong health and wellbeing
• Encourage strong emotional bonds through everyday interactions
• Support parents’ social and emotional wellbeing during pregnancy and beyond,
Notes
Made available via the Publications (Legal Deposit) Act 2004 (NT),
Consultation Group Credits:
● Women at Yuendumu – Early Childhood Centre, Yarrumpi Child and Family Centre
● Anne Bromhead, Mental Health Clinician,
● Phyllis Gorey, Mental Health Worker
● Cathy Chapple, Senior Clinical Policy Officer, NT Health
● Timothy Packham, Senior Clinical Policy Officer, NT Health
● Nimalee Kanakkahewa, Consultant Psychiatrist, NT Health
● Nancy Jeffrey, Advisor - Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Social and Emotional Wellbeing, Emerging Minds
● Louise Collins, Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Team Manager
● Rebecca Creek - Director Wellbeing Policy, Mental Health Alcohol and Other Drugs Branch, NT Health;,
Voice Over Artists: Senior woman - Naomi Wenitong, Young Mum - Jedess Hudson, Uncle - Liam Maza, Father - Jordan Oliver.
Recording - Pegasus Studios,
Creators of the artwork and storytellers behind the narrative: Phyllis Gorey Maisie Wayne, Ormay Gallagher, Geraldine Langdon, Teresa Dixon;
Brain Story Canvas: Japaljarri Spencer;
Men who contributed to the story: Ryan Woods, Kumanjayi Sims, Robert Robertson, Eddie Robertson, Jabison Williams, Japangardi Johnson.,
Pin Rada recording studio used by Western Arrernte, Warlpiri and Pitjantjatjara,
Language
English,
Pitjantjatjara,
Pitjantjatjara language C6,