Dr. James Oswald Little AO

“I have seen too much fear & sadness caused by the early death & suffering from potentially preventable chronic illnesses by my Indigenous brothers &

sisters.

I established Uncle Jimmy Thumbs Up! to do something positive to curb the rate of chronic disease particularly in regional and remote communities.

Our goal is to promote a healthier future for Indigenous Australians and I

hope you will join us to help realise our dream”.

Dr Jimmy Little, AO 1.3.1937 – 2.4.2012

www.thumbsup.org.au

• 57% of Indigenous people aged 15 yrs + were overweight/obese

• death rate for chronic kidney disease for 45-54 year olds Indigenous compared to non-indigenous:

Female: 51 times higher

Male: 21 times higher

• prevalence of diabetes for 35-44 year olds Indigenous compared to non-indigenous: 5 times higher • death rate from cardiovascular disease for 35-54 year olds Indigenous compared to non-indigenous: 7 to12 times higher Source: Health Infonet

Health Issues

VISION

To improve the quality of life for Indigenous Australians.

Uncle Jimmy Thumbs Up!

APPROACH

Partner with Federal, State, Territory and Local Governments, statutory and peak health bodies, store groups and corporate, NGOs and non-profit organisations.

MISSION

To educate young Indigenous Australians about the benefits of healthy food, exercise in the prevention of chronic illness ; so they can live long, healthy and productive lives.

Whole of Community Approach

Schools Uncle Jimmy Thumbs Up!

Medical Centres

Local Stores

Elders & Councils

• The Thumbs up! program began in 2007-8 with $10,000 seed funding from Fred Hollows Foundation and a trial was undertaken in five NT communities.

• In 2009 UJTU received one off funding of $1.2m from Medicines Australia to roll-out the Thumbs up! program nationally into 29 RSD communities. We set aside $500,000 that was used to build a mobile renal truck called “The Purple Bus” which is now operating from Alice Springs.

• From 2012 - 2014 Thumbs up! was funded with $1m/year from the Federal Government Department of Health Chronic disease prevention fund and we established a presence in over 50 regional and remote communities. The program was evaluated and shown to be very effective.

• In 2015 funding was withdrawn by the incoming Federal Government and we filed an unsuccessful IAS application. We have continued our Thumbs Up! program with volunteer labour, contributions from private and corporate bodies and continued partnerships with ALPA and Outback Stores.

• Since 2015 Thumbs Up! has diversified into delivering alcohol and other drugs and domestic violence awareness programs through the Northern Territory Government and has also been delivering Trachoma awareness programs funded through Melbourne University Indigenous Eye Health Unit.

Growth of Thumbs up! Program

Generational Change

• Thumbs up! “healthy food seal” signage points to fruit, vegetables and water in over 60 remote community stores.

• Current partner agreements are in place with store chain retailers in NT, WA, QLD and SA to support Thumbs up!

• 'Recipe of the Month’ initiative has been very successful. A recipe book with15 recipes is available free on our website.

• Stores show DVD’s of Thumbs Up! “good food” songs on in-store plasma TV screens where available.

• In partnership with Menzies Health, Adelaide University and The George Institute new mobile /smart phone APP is being developed to help customers find healthy options in store.

Thumbs up! Stores Program

Thumbs up! “Good Tucker” app • Set for release in September 2017, the Smartphone app will

help community residents to select healthier food and drinks.

• Based on the “Food Switch” app the “Good Tucker” app will

be simple and very easy to use.

Summary of Thumbs up! Program elements.

• Whole of Community Approach.

• School Music Workshops. • Stores Program and Healthy Food Seal. • Cooking Demonstrations. • Healthy Lifestyle Website. • Community Events.

Thank you

www.thumbsup.org.au