University secures $2.46m for Indigenous pregnancy health program

SOUTHERN Cross University has secured a $2.46 million research grant to expand a national program helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women quit smoking and vaping during pregnancy.

The funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council will expand the university-led SISTACARE initiative, which builds on the long-running SISTAQUIT smoking program established in 2016.

The project is designed to embed culturally safe smoking and vaping cessation care into routine maternity services across Australia.

Led by professor Gillian Gould at SCU, SISTACARE will use the four-year grant to strengthen partnerships with hospitals, midwifery teams, and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services nationwide.

“This grant enables us to reach every health service that cares for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women during pregnancy,” professor Gould said.

“Our project is led by Aboriginal experts and community voices. Together, we’re strengthening health systems, reducing risks, and supporting long-term community wellbeing.”

SISTACARE Aboriginal chief investigator Rebecca Hyland, who is a senior research project manager at SCU, said the program reflects the strength and determination of Aboriginal communities.

“Our women are strong, resilient, and deeply motivated to quit the smokes and give their babies the best start in life,” she said.

“What we need are health systems that provide the best possible support for women to quit smoking and vaping and this funding helps make that a reality.”

The investment represents the third time in a decade the program has received funding through the NHMRC Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases.

A key focus of the expanded program is improving access to culturally appropriate quit-smoking support at a time when smoking during pregnancy remains a major contributor to low birthweight, pre-term birth, perinatal mortality, and long-term childhood health inequities.

“Through the SISTAQUIT training, health professionals report feeling far more confident, skilled, and optimistic about providing cessation care to pregnant Aboriginal mums,” professor Gould said.

“We’re equipping staff with practical training and digital tools so women can access the right support wherever they receive their pregnancy care.”

The funding coincides with the rollout of a new mobile app developed through the program, aimed at delivering quit-smoking and vaping support directly to Indigenous women beyond clinical settings.