Marrambidya Murrayalalinya is a research project looking at how culturally co-designed soundscapes that honour connection to the sonic landscapes, language, and stories of Wiradjuri Country can support increased engagement with renal dialysis treatment and improve health and wellness amongst Aboriginal people living on Wiradjuri Country in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District.
Lack of access and engagement with health services
Aboriginal people experience significant health inequalities, especially those living in rural areas. They die, on average, earlier than non-Aboriginal people and are more likely to suffer one or more chronic conditions linked to cardiovascular disease, such as diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
Poor cardiovascular outcomes in the Aboriginal population result from a history of loss, sustained intergenerational trauma, and ongoing cultural and social determinants that limit access to, and engagement with, health services. This is reflected in health service data, particularly in lack of access and engagement with health services which results in poor health outcomes.
Developing culturally meaningful audio experiences for patients receiving renal dialysis
The research aims to improve health and wellness for Aboriginal people attending health services in Murrumbidgee Local Health District, ultimately through prevention, and early treatment of cardiovascular disease by implementation of a soundscape as a cultural determinant of health.
The research involves the co-creation and distribution of portable devices, with soundscapes that are culturally meaningful audio experiences, to patients receiving renal dialysis.
This study integrates First Nations methodology - yarning, community co-design, and cultural governance - with quantitative and qualitative clinical research methods. It aims to improve cardiovascular and other health and wellness outcomes among Aboriginal patients as well as improving the perception of cultural safety for Aboriginal people.
Published: 1 February 2026.