North Melbourne is proud to announce a formal partnership with Deadly Choices, Australia’s leading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander preventative health program.
The initiative aims to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to take control of their health by making healthy choices for themselves and their families, such as eating nutritiously, staying physically active, and quitting smoking or vaping.
Together with the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS), the Deadly Choices initiative encourages individuals to access their local Community Controlled Health Service (CCHS) and complete an annual 715 Health Check.
The 715 Health Check is a free annual preventative health assessment available at CCHS, supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to look after their health through regular and culturally safe health care. It provides an opportunity for early intervention and to monitor overall health and key areas of risk.
A key part of the partnership is the new Deadly Choices x North Melbourne shirt, exclusively available to Community who complete their 715 Health Check at a participating clinic.
The shirt has been designed in collaboration with Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin AO (Wurundjeri) and Emma Bamblett (Wemba Wemba, Gunditjmara, Ngadjonji and Taungurung), and is titled ‘walert morrok goattak’, meaning possum skin cloak in Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung language.
The partnership aligns directly with North Melbourne’s First Nations Strategy, which prioritises community-led solutions and amplifies programs that already resonate strongly at a grassroots level.
North Melbourne CEO Jen Watt said the club is committed to using its platform to support healthy, vibrant outcomes for the First Nations community.
“Sport is a powerful vehicle to inspire others and create meaningful impact,” Watt said.
“As a partner, we now have an important role in helping share Deadly Choices’ message of healthy living across our community connections as part of its continued expansion.
“Deadly Choices has been built by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and that’s exactly why it works.”
The initiative operates in close collaboration with the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS), ensuring the Deadly Choices message translates into tangible, positive health actions across Victoria.
VAHS CEO Michael Graham (Wiradjuri, Dja Dja Wurrung and Yorta Yorta) expressed his excitement about the partnership.
“Together with Victorian Aboriginal Health Service, Deadly Choices, and North Melbourne Football Club, we’re using sport and culture as a platform to make preventative health visible, positive, and accessible,” Graham said.
“This is about empowering our community, building connection, and backing our people to stay strong and well.”
North Melbourne Head of First Nations Strategy & Engagement Lucy Amon (Quandamooka) highlighted the personal significance of the program.
“I’ve seen Deadly Choices in action for many years, and I’ve seen firsthand the impact of 715 Health Checks in reducing the burden of chronic disease for mob, including within my own family,” Amon said.
“To know that North Melbourne will now play a part in driving positive health outcomes and contribute to Closing the Gap, one health check at a time, is something I’m really proud of.
“If we can play even a small role in supporting healthier choices and stronger outcomes for community, then that’s exactly where we should be.”
By leveraging the club's reach and visibility, the Kangaroos aim to help the Deadly Choices message travel further, encouraging more individuals to connect with their local health services to stay strong and healthy for their families.
