Illawarra Aboriginal health worker and proud Yuin man Dale Wright has a COVID-19 safety message for his mob, which he's packaged up in a short rap video.
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It's a fun format for a serious message - with the threat of COVID-19 high in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, who have a lower life expectancy and a higher burden of disease than non-indigenous Australians.
And the idea for the video came about after Mr Wright had a conversation with his uncle in northern NSW.
"My uncle in Walgett has a lot of co-morbidities - diabetes, heart disease," he said.
"And he was saying that there was plenty of youth still partying, not taking the COVID pandemic seriously.
"So I thought, what can I do to get the message out there in a way that's fun, but still strong - and that's when I came up with the idea of a rap video.
"l used to do a bit of rap in my younger years, and thought it would be a good way to connect with the younger generation.
"To get the message out there that they need to take the message seriously, to protect themselves and especially our Elders."
The video was shot in and around Port Kembla Hospital, where the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District's Aboriginal Chronic Care Team is based.
And while Mr Wright might be a passionate health worker, his other talents definitely shine through in the video which has been shared on social media. It's a simple message - on hand hygiene and social distancing - and that's the point.
Lyrics include: "So this is a message for the mob out there; I'm sending out a message that's crystal clear.
"Being at home is the place to be; To stop the deadly spread of COVID-19.
"Washing our hands on a daily basis; Keeping our hands away from our faces.
"The virus is so tough that the eyes can't see; Spreading it can be so easy just from you and me."
Meantime Mr Wright and his team continue to work to improve access to services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with chronic disease - currently via telehealth.
"Life expectancy for indigenous people is about 10 years lower than non-indigenous people, and we have more co-morbidities and chronic disease in our people," he said.
"So many of us, especially our Elders, are more vulnerable to COVID-19.
"And while the majority of my people are doing what is needed to stop this virus - we all need to make sure we're keeping our old people safe till this passes."
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