This evaluation assesses Strong Born – a communications campaign to raise awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and the harms of alcohol consumption while pregnant and/or breastfeeding among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in rural and remote communities. 

The campaign was delivered by 23 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs).

Key findings

• The grant funding successfully increased the capacity of all funded ACCHOs to develop and deliver highly localised, culturally appropriate, strength-based education and awareness activities and training for staff, raising awareness of FASD and the harms of alcohol consumption within their communities.
• ACCHOs praised the campaign's simple, culturally relevant messaging, with the ability to localise campaign materials particularly valued.
• The need for extended funding timelines to build community ownership and reinforce the messaging was highlighted.
• Having qualified, trauma-informed workers alongside ACCHOs in this area is key.
• Further dissemination of the Strong Born Campaign would benefit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders people and help increase the awareness of FASD across more communities.
• While ACCHOs play a vital role in community education and FASD prevention due to their high community engagement, their efforts must be supported by a broader, whole-of-community approach to health promotion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in rural and remote communities.