Holding Hands; Saving Hearts

St Mary’s College, Broome partnered with the Kids Institute (formerly Telethon Kids) on a research project addressing Group A streptococcus, which can lead to rheumatic fever and heart disease—conditions disproportionately affecting First Nations Peoples. The internationally recognised initiative engaged primary students, teachers, First Nations Teaching Assistants, families, health groups and the broader community. Students participated in swabbing and sampling during the surveillance phase. The project culminated in the launch of three culturally and age-appropriate storybooks, co-developed by students. The findings have significant transferable implications for First Nations communities.