The Minns Labor Government has awarded funding to an Aboriginal led program focussed on cancer prevention and living well post cancer diagnosis as part of a $10 million boost to cancer research across NSW.
Mid North Coast-based Strong Spirit Aboriginal Services is one of 18 recipients of grants delivered by the Government’s Cancer Institute NSW.
The $333,069 grant will help fund two ‘Strength in Motion’ pilot community programs to promote cancer prevention and survivorship.
This holistic approach will foster active participation in physical activities and informed health choices to help build a stronger and healthier Aboriginal community.
Both community programs incorporate exercise, diet and education: ‘Move, Thrive, Prevent’ to mitigate cancer risk and ‘Journey Together, Move Together’ to support wellbeing after a cancer diagnosis.
So far in 2025, the NSW Government has allocated more than $10 million in grants across four categories.
The Government is one of the largest funders of cancer research in NSW, having invested more than $470 million in the past 20 years across nearly 1,000 competitive research awards and grants.
Strong Spirit Aboriginal Services is one of two recipients in the Aboriginal Cancer Research Grant category.
The other recipient is a culturally safe cancer care model for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Patients run by Associate Professor Julieann Coombe out of the University of NSW.
The other categories comprised:
Minister for Medical Research and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:
“Closing the gap to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal people and to do so in a culturally appropriate way is a top priority of the Minns Labor Government and both
Aboriginal Cancer Research Grant recipients are ideal examples of this.
“The NSW Government is proud to be supporting researchers and projects designed to reduce the impact of cancer and save lives.
“Our researchers strive every day to improve the lives of people in NSW and across the world, and we're proud to invest in them to continue their work and help improve cancer outcomes for all.”
Strong Spirit Aboriginal Services Jessica Morris said:
"This funding will be instrumental in empowering Strong Spirit Aboriginal Services to deliver the Strength in Motion program.
“It will enable us to develop and expand culturally safe health and lifestyle initiatives, co-designed by the community and led by Aboriginal voices.
“With this support, we can prioritise cancer prevention, enhance life outcomes for individuals post-diagnosis, and empower people on the Mid North Coast to make informed health decisions that significantly improve their overall well-being."
View all 2024/2025 Cancer Institute NSW grants recipients.