Strong from the Start
Strong from the Start was created by Lili Jacobsen, a proud First Nations artist of Gubbi Gubbi and Torres Strait descent. Her work is deeply grounded in her connection to Country, drawing inspiration from the land, sea, sky, and the life that surrounds her.
Our Partners and Supporters
The organisations that walk with us
Our Supporters
Take the knowledge with you
Free, one-page factsheets on each of the core concepts — ready to download, print and share with your family, community or workplace.
Project overview
Growing Deadly Brains®
An overview of the project — what it is, who it's for, how it works, and the opportunities to be involved.
Brain Health
What brain health is, what your brain does, and how brain health, mental health and wellbeing connect.
Download
Serve & Return
The everyday back-and-forth moments — a look, a yarn, a smile — that build strong brain pathways.
Download
Brain Development
How brains grow from before birth and across life, and the power of intergenerational strength and story.
Download
Stress & Worries
Positive, tolerable and toxic stress — what the differences are, and what helps us all through.
Download
Your Amazing Brain
Executive function — how the brain focuses, plans, remembers and manages feelings, and how these skills grow.
Download
Place Matters
How Country, community, housing and belonging shape the way brains and bodies develop and heal.
Download
Neuroplasticity & Healing
How brains change, reconnect and heal across life — and why safety, culture and connection are powerful medicine.
Download
Emotional Co-Regulation
Little ones borrow our calm — how caring adults help children's brains settle, feel safe and learn.
DownloadGrowing Deadly Brains® at Home
A guide for families with children 0–8 on what's happening in their brain, moment to moment, and how you can help.
Download