Did you know Indigenous Australians are affected by some of the highest levels of undetected, treatable and preventable conditions and illnesses worldwide?

Access to health services in remote communities can be limited and often met with anxiety and fear – especially by kids – which adds a further barrier to healthcare.

Today is National Close the Gap Day, a day of action to address this disparity and work to achieve equality in health and life expectancy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

An organisation dedicated to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is Starlight Children’s Foundation through their Healthier Futures Initiative.

The Healthier Futures Initiative eliminates the fear and uncertainty preventing kids in remote communities from participating in healthcare by bringing Captain Starlight to the health clinics. 

Captain Starlight, a superhero who loves fun and laughter, boosts participation by engaging, entertaining and positively distracting kids through song, dance, games and storytelling. 

We’re proud to announce our support of Starlight Children’s Foundation by donating $100,000 of Tatts NT unclaimed prize money to their Healthier Futures Initiative.

Starlight Children’s Foundation’s CEO Louise Baxter said that almost 100% of health teams they’ve partnered with said Captain Starlight significantly impacted the children in remote communities. 

“Captain Starlight partners with health teams in remote communities to boost healthcare participation by ensuring vital clinic visits are a positive and child-friendly experience,” she said.

“What happens in childhood lasts a lifetime, and we know that when healthcare participation increases, health outcomes improve!

“Thank you to The Lott by Tatts NT for demonstrating an ongoing commitment to Starlight’s Healthier Futures Initiative by directing funding towards this vital program.

“This supports the lifelong health outcomes for children in more than 60 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across the Northern Territory.”

The Lott by Tatts NT spokesperson Ally Ramsamy hoped the donation would help the Initiative’s goal.

“We have a long and proud history of supporting Starlight Children’s Foundation, and this year marks our second year donating to the Healthier Futures initiative,” she said.

“When we learned more about this initiative and the incredible difference Captain Starlight makes in these regional communities, we wanted to be involved.

“We know how important it is, so we hope to continue to be involved for years to come.”

Head here to learn more about Starlight Children’s Foundation’s Healthier Futures Initiative and how you can pledge your support.