Case for Support for the Molly Wardaguga Research Centre - In memory of Molly - The problem

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Ophelia

Strategic support case for the Molly Wardaguga Research Centre established by Charles Darwin University in 2019, honoring Molly Wardaguga’s legacy as a Burrara Elder, Aboriginal midwife, and health advocate. The narrative highlights urgent gaps in maternal and infant outcomes for Australian First Nations women, including higher risk of preterm birth and maternal death. It argues that clinically and culturally safe maternity services, alongside research, education, training, and on-the-ground support, can prevent avoidable deaths and improve long-term health.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages36

Reading Time1 h 31 min

AccessFree to download

In Memory of Molly

The problem

We need better health outcomes

Case for Support for the Molly Wardaguga Research Centre Charles Darwin University acknowledges and respects the many Australian First Nations traditional custodians of the lands upon which our campuses and centres are located who have a continued cultural connection to traditional lands . Case for Support for the Molly Wardaguga Research Centre 1 In Memory of Molly The Molly Wardaguga Research Centre is a strategic investment established by Charles Darwin University in 2019. Molly Wardaguga was a Burrara Elder, Aboriginal midwife, senior Aboriginal health worker and founding member of the Malabam (now Mala’la) Health Board in Maningrida, Arnhem Land. She worked extensively to improve health outcomes for her community and was a strong advocate for First Nations community-controlled health services. She fought for birthing and aged care services to be provided close to home for her people. 2 Case for Support for the Molly Wardaguga Research Centre 3 4 The problem First Nations Australian women are almost twice as likely to have a preterm birth and almost four times more likely to die during childbirth than other Australian women. Preterm birth is one of the largest causes of stillbirth, infant and child mortality, and a significant contributor to lifelong disability and chronic diseases in First Nations Australians. Preterm birth and maternal death can both be avoided through clinically and culturally safe maternity services. Our innovative research, education, training and support is making a difference, on the ground, where it counts. Case for Support for the Molly Wardaguga Research Centre 5 We need better health outcomes First Nations Australians remain well behind other Australians for key maternal and infant health outcomes. Better health outcomes for First Nations Australian women benefits all Australians . Our focus is in communities experiencing vast inequity, particularly in remote Australia. 6 Case for Support for the Molly Wardaguga Research Centre Maternal mortality per 100,000 (2012–2018: NT data N/A) Child mortality per 10,000 (2018: NT data 2014–2018) Infant mortality per 1000 (2015-2019: NT Data 2017–2019) Perinatal deaths per 1000 births (2018) Low birthweight % (2019) Preterm birth % (2019) Stillbirths per 1000 births (2019) Children (0–17y) in out-of-home care per 1000 children (2019) | 5.5 | | | | 20.2 | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 6.7 | | 14.1 | | 20.9 | | | |
3 | 5.9 | 12 | | | | | | | | 8.8 | 16.4 | 2 | 8.3 | | | 6.4 | | 11.7 | 16.5 | | | | | 8 | | 13.2
.3 | 18 | | | | |
7.1 | | 10.4 | | 18.8 | 34.5 | | |
5 | | | | | | | 57.6 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 NT FIRST NATIONS AUSTRALIAN FIRST NATIONS NON-FIRST NATIONS *Molly Wardaguga Research Centre Third Year Report June 2022. Above: Molly Wardaguga Research Centre Directors Sue Kildea (third from left) and Yvette Roe (fifth from left) with Molly’s family members. 8

FAQs

What is the Molly Wardaguga Research Centre and when was it established?

It is a strategic investment established by Charles Darwin University in 2019.

Who was Molly Wardaguga?

Molly Wardaguga was a Burrara Elder, Aboriginal midwife, senior Aboriginal health worker, and a founding member of the Malabam (now Mala’la) Health Board in Maningrida, Arnhem Land.

What problem does the case highlight regarding First Nations maternal health?

First Nations Australian women face markedly higher rates of preterm birth and a much higher risk of dying during childbirth than other Australian women.

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Ophelia