NGAARDA STATEWIDE NEWS | THURSDAY 15 OCTOBER 2026
Bereavement support gaps in Australian children's hospitals, ancient underwater discoveries at Murujuga, cancer care services in the Pilbara, a local woman's journey with a rare autoimmune disease, and the success of youth night spaces in the Kimberley are among today's Ngaarda News headlines.
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GAPS IN AUSTRALIAN CHILDREN'S HOSPITALS
New research has revealed significant gaps in the support available to Australian families following the death of a child in intensive care.
Curtin University researcher and paediatric intensive care nurse Arielle Jolly says only two of Australia's eleven dedicated paediatric intensive care units provide formal bereavement follow-up services.
Families living in regional and remote areas, including the Pilbara, face additional challenges accessing ongoing and culturally appropriate support.
The findings have contributed to the trial of a new bereavement support service, known as Footprints, at Perth Children's Hospital, with plans to expand the program interstate.
Jolly is also encouraging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families to share their experiences to help shape more culturally responsive services.
ANCIENT UNDERWATER DISCOVERIES REVEAL MURUJUGA'S CULTURAL HISTORY
Two ancient underwater archaeological sites have been discovered off Murujuga in Western Australia's Pilbara, providing further evidence of Aboriginal life in the region thousands of years ago.
Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation rangers worked alongside archaeologists from Flinders University to uncover more than twenty stone artefacts in waters reaching depths of fifteen metres.
Researchers believe the sites were submerged approximately nine to ten thousand years ago as sea levels rose.
Senior Ranger Richard Variakojis told Ngaarda Radio the discoveries highlight Murujuga's extensive cultural history and the importance of protecting underwater heritage.
One of the sites includes a submerged freshwater spring connected to traditional songlines, demonstrating the enduring cultural significance of the landscape.
Researchers believe thousands more underwater cultural sites could remain undiscovered across the region.
SOLARIS CANCER CARE EXPANDS SUPPORT FOR PILBARA FAMILIES
Pilbara families affected by cancer are receiving additional support through the ongoing regional outreach services of Solaris Cancer Care.
The organisation provides free counselling, wellbeing services and practical assistance for patients and their families, particularly those who must travel long distances to access specialist treatment.
Services include transport assistance, support during medical appointments and help navigating the challenges associated with cancer treatment away from home.
Solaris representative Sam Doran says reducing barriers to care for regional patients remains a priority.
The organisation continues to visit remote Pilbara communities and work alongside local health providers to ensure people affected by cancer can access support regardless of where they live.
PILBARA WOMAN SHARES RARE DISEASE JOURNEY IN NEW BOOK
A Pilbara woman living with a rare autoimmune disease has shared her personal journey in a new book aimed at raising awareness and encouraging others to seek medical attention when something does not feel right.
Natasha Ball was diagnosed in 2023 with immune-mediated necrotising myopathy, a rare condition in which the body's immune system attacks healthy muscle tissue.
After visiting several doctors while searching for answers, Ball credits Roebourne's Aboriginal Medical Service with helping her access urgent treatment.
Her book, Dancing in a Myositis Storm, documents the challenges of living with the condition, her journey towards diagnosis and the importance of listening to patients when they raise concerns about their health.
Her story also highlights the importance of culturally safe healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, particularly in regional communities where access to specialist medical services can be limited.
Ball hopes sharing her experience will encourage others to seek medical advice early and advocate for their health.
KIMBERLEY YOUTH NIGHT SPACES PRAISED FOR POSITIVE IMPACT
Youth night spaces in Fitzroy Crossing and Broome are being praised as successful models for supporting young people and improving community safety across Western Australia.
Both services have recently marked two years of operation, providing young people with safe places to spend time, participate in activities and access support.
Fitzroy Crossing Police Officer in Charge Mark Hall says the local night space has contributed to a significant reduction in youth crime.
He says police have also noticed improvements in young people's wellbeing and stronger relationships between officers and local youth.
The night spaces are being recognised for providing positive alternatives for young people during evening hours, while helping strengthen relationships between families, service providers and police.
Their success has prompted calls for similar youth-focused initiatives to be considered in other regional communities across the state.
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