In 2024, the ALPA Nutrition team worked alongside the Heart Foundation and Miwatj Health to develop animations and posters to raise awareness around the high consumption of table sugar in East Arnhem Land. Table sugar is most often consumed when people add it to tea.

The resources were developed in consultation with community members and health professionals in the communities of Galiwin’ku and Milingimbi.



Based on these consultations, four key themes emerged which informed the direction of the animations:

1. Honouring traditional sweetness. Learn from the past and celebrate traditional ways of eating, using less sugar and more bush foods. "Just a little less sugar, like the old days."
2. Sugar in our body. See how eating too much sugar affects your heart health and how small changes, like using less sugar, can make a big difference. "A little less sugar every day is better for your heart and body."
3. What’s in your drink? Find out how to make better choices about sugar at the store with easy tips, like buying smaller bags of sugar and drinking less soft drink. "Start small by adding less sugar than you normally would."
4. Bouncy energy. Learn about how eating too much sugar can give quick energy but leaves you feeling tired later, and how healthy foods can keep you feeling full and strong. "Let’s try less sugar and more good foods for better energy."

The animations include voice overs from Galiwin’ku residents, George Garambaka, Tina Dhamarrandji, Jairus Marawili and Dorothy Yunggirringa. 

Watch animations