LiveUp First Nations resources
On this page are free resources made by, with, and for First Nations people in Australia. These resources are designed to support culturally appropriate assistive technology, independence, and wellbeing for Elders, older people, and their families.
Discover your upside of ageing:
Trees are germinated and come to life after fires … and that conversation of rising from those ashes is important and runs parallel with your life and growing older.
— Aunty Elly Chatfield, a proud Gamillaroi womanAs you get older, your memory might slip a little, and your body can slow down. It can feel like parts of you are burning away. But fire can clear the way for new growth. Ageing is the same. It brings challenges, but also seeds of resilience.
If you look after your mind, body, and spirit early, you can enter this season of your life strong, like Country ready for new shoots. If you keep nurturing yourself, by staying active, connected, and using the right supports, you can continue to thrive, just like healthy Country after fire.
Sometimes assistive products, or everyday tools for independence, are part of that regrowth. They help keep you steady while you rebuild. If you keep moving and growing stronger while using them, you might even find you need them less over time.
Helping hands
It knocks you around when you can’t do things anymore ... Simple things can make life easier.
— Lionel Bakes, a proud Palawa manWhether it’s making a cuppa, gardening, or walking strong, everyday tools and assistive products can lend a helping hand to make daily tasks safer and easier.
About the artwork
Walking Hand in Hand
By Matty Atkinson – Bangerang and Wiradjuri
In the bottom left corner, we see Elders shrouded in blue, walking together towards a gathering place representing the heart of the community.
We see two guiding hands on either side of this journey – one hand represents the Elders, and the other embodies the helping hand of assistive products that can support the health and independence of Elders as they walk on their journey.
Country and traditional ways surround this journey. Along the bottom we see Country depicted in red, symbolising the land and its deep, enduring connection to its people. At the top we see traditional ways and knowledge, passed down through generations, guiding the Elders as they navigate their journey.
Download and print this artwork for a mindful yarn and colouring session. It’s good for the spirit, good for the hands, and deadly with young ones.
Download colouring sheetKnow your options
Explore the Everyday tools to help Mob resources to learn about different low-cost assistive products.
The Everyday tools to help Mob resources were made for First Nations people by LiveUp in partnership with Little Rocket, Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS), Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO), and an Elder working group.
We hope the Everyday Tools to Help Mob Guide and resources will be used by community-controlled organisations, Elders and their families to promote easy healthy ageing journeys for all.
— Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS)With special thanks to:
Janice Bakes – Gunditjmara, Lionel Bakes – Palawa, Robyn Bradley – Gunditjmara, Janine Clancy, Christine Ingram – Gimuy Walubara Yidinji, Joy Ingram – Gimuy Walubara Yidinji, Charelle Jackson, Janet Pyke – Yorta Yorta
First Nations resources:
Consider using everyday tools
Click the link to see and download the Everyday tools to help Mob guide:
You can also find the A4 buying guide here:
Informational videos
Press play on the image above to watch this short video.
Please find the informational video YouTube links here:
- Watch the long version video for mobile
- Watch the long version video for widescreen
- Watch the short version video for mobile
- Watch the short version video for widescreen
Marketing materials
Click this link to view and save the Everyday tools postcard.
Click this link to view and save the Everyday tools brochure.
Use the links below to view and save the A4 and A3 posters:
Download resource packs
Click the buttons below to download the Mob Guide resource packs:
Download social media packDownload Mob Guide resource packGet in touch if you would like us to send you the files in these resource packs.
First Nations stories about healthy ageing:
Independence isn’t about doing it all alone. It’s about staying strong in your connection to who you are, your culture, and community. In partnership with Campfire x, these are the stories of Elders staying grounded and guided by what matters most to them.
From yarn to legacy
Barbara McGrady shares her inspiring story of managing her health condition while working, and proves that ageing is an accumulation of strength, skill, and wisdom.
Press play on the image above to watch this video yarn.
Growing old together
The ladies of Guriwal Aboriginal Corporation yarn about their tough days and proud moments as they get older, and how everyday tools can help Mob feel more in control.
Press play on the image above to watch this video yarn.
Staying strong on Country
Marjorie and Lorraine share beautiful memories of growing up together and remind us of the importance of friendship, laughter, and always coming back to Country.
Press play on the image above to watch this video yarn.
Making Choices, Finding Solutions
Written by occupational therapists, the Making Choices, Finding Solutions Guide is packed with suggestions and advice on low-cost assistive products, basic home modifications, and tips and tricks for when out and about.
Support is just a call or visit away
If you have questions or need advice, LiveUp offers a free, confidential, and personalised Navigation service to help you explore your options for healthy ageing.
Contact LiveUp
How we can support you
LiveUp can support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, older people, and their families with:
- Presentations about LiveUp, low-risk assistive products and other strategies to live well
- Providing online and print resources, like exercise sheets
- Sponsorship, events, and exhibitor booths
Contact the Community Engagement team on communities@liveup.org.au or call 1800 951 971.
You can also connect with other trusted support networks
- Learn more about Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations (ACCOs)
- Learn how to book an appointment with an Aged Care Specialist Officer (ACSOs)
- Learn more about the Elder Care Support program and use this interactive map to find current providers
- Find more information and resources to support quality, culturally appropriate, and safe aged care through the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
These services are here to walk with you, every step of the way, to ensure you get the care and support you deserve.