Our Story
Guula Buuyal means "Body Strong" in the language of the Gunggandji Peoples of Yarrabah.
The app was named by Dr Darryl Murgha, a respected Gunggandji Elder, Traditional Owner, and cultural heritage specialist from the Cairns and Yarrabah region of Far North Queensland.
Guula Buuyal Kidneys grew out of the Healthy Kidneys program at Sophus — a nutrition and lifestyle program built with dietitians to help people keep their kidneys strong.
The concept evolved out of a conversation on a plane, between Sophus co-founder, Tara and the Gurriny Yaelamucka CEO, Sue, about the potential for digital health solutions to either further divide, or contribute to positively closing the gap - depending on whether they were culturally appropriate or not.
This concept has grown, through collaboraton with incredible researchers, technicians, health practitioners, clients and the community, into a platform that can be useful in increasing the access and reducing the cost in providing evidence-based, culturally appropriate healthcare.
This platform, designed with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, is available for everyone regardless of race, gender or age.
Made with community
Guula Buuyal Kidneys was co-designed with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dietitians, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners, and community members living with, or at risk of developing kidney disease.
It was built by Sophus Healthy with Gurriny Yealamucka Health Services Aboriginal Corporation (Yarrabah) and The University of Queensland, and funded by the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia. Gurriny Yealamucka means "Good Healing Water" in the Gunggandji language — and that spirit of healing, led by community, runs through this work.
Gurriny Yealamucka means "Good Healing Water" in the Gunggandji language — and that spirit of healing, led by community, runs through this work.
What guides us
Throughout the co-design process, a strengths-based framework was adopted where we aim to talk positively about health from a strengths-lens. We start with what people, families and communities already know and do well, and add useful information about kidney health on top.
The focus of this project was to build health resources and research whether a digital app could aid as a model of care for regional and remote Australians living in Northern Queensland. Research published related to the project can be accessed here:
Research published related to the project can be accessed here. For more information about the project or to get involved, you can contact us here.
