I am Sophie L’Estrange   I am a Kalkadoon, Wiradjuri woman. I grew up on Wiradjuri Country in Condobolin and Forbes and completed my undergrad (B. Oral Health) in Wagga Wagga.

I come from a farming and working family. Since finishing my undergrad, I have moved throughout rural and remote NSW, QLD and NT. I have worked in the dental field in urban and remote NT Indigenous communities, fished and camped at the tip of Queensland and worked on cattle stations in the Gulf of Carpentaria and the Channel Country of SWQLD.

I am passionate about all things rural and remote health, which includes Indigenous Health. I am currently a Board Member for the Indigenous Dental Association Australia and have been actively involved with Indigenous Allied Health Australia for many years. Growing up in rural Australia, I witnessed first-hand the barriers many communities face in accessing quality healthcare. My background in oral health, combined with my personal and professional experiences in rural and remote settings, has driven me to address these health inequities.

Through my medical studies and future career, I aim to advocate for better healthcare access, reduce misinformation, and promote culturally responsive care for Indigenous populations. I am determined to play a role in bridging the health inequities gap as a medical practitioner. One of my core goals is to work in rural and
remote communities, where the need for healthcare professionals is greatest.

In addition to direct healthcare delivery, I am committed to advocating for policy change. As a doctor, I will continue to push for systemic change, particularly in policies affecting Indigenous health. I will advocate for culturally safe healthcare services, better recruitment and retention of healthcare workers in rural areas, and increased community-controlled funding for Indigenous health programs.

My experiences have taught me the importance of staying connected to community and being a voice for those who are often overlooked. As a doctor, I will continue to use my platform to advocate for the health and wellbeing of priority groups, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are addressed..