I am a proud Yamatji woman, my mother’s country is in Western Australia near Carnavon (Gascoyne Region). I was born and raised in Mackay, have travelled to FNQ, and lived in remote communities as a child and worked as an enrolled nurse. I started my nursing journey as a student midwife, after losing my brother by suicide I decided to do my enrolled nursing to have a better understanding of mental health.

Finished my enrolled nursing and worked in aged care which I enjoyed and found that mental health affects all, my son attempted suicide, and this has made more determined to gain better understanding around this illness and to gain experience as a registered nurse. I love working with my Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and living on the Sunshine Coast was able to work within the community and had clients with chronic disease.

My professional journey and also identifying as an Aboriginal woman I see first-hand the barriers that are faced within the health sector and how these barriers affect a person’s health journey. I made it my goal to pursue my registered nursing degree so I can expand my knowledge around chronic disease /mental health within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and how I can as a registered nurse help close the gap.

As an Aboriginal Yamatji woman, I am deeply connected to my community and the land. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing, with a passion for addressing the significant health disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Through my work with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, I have witnessed first-hand the challenges they face in accessing quality healthcare, and I am committed to closing this gap.

In my first year of tertiary study, I focused on building the skills and knowledge necessary to provide culturally appropriate care and support for my community. As a member of the local health services team, I coordinate chronic disease management programs for Indigenous patients, helping to address not only their physical health needs but also their cultural and emotional well-being. I have seen the positive impact that a culturally aware approach to healthcare can have, and it motivates me to continue my studies and develop further expertise in this area.

Working in this capacity has also provided me with valuable insights into the importance of community involvement in health initiatives. The local community has welcomed my work, and together we are taking steps to improve healthcare access and outcomes. I firmly believe that by building trust and fostering partnerships between healthcare providers and Indigenous communities, we can work toward closing the health equity gap.

Term One began like any other, full of enthusiasm and motivation—but as life unfolded, things changed quickly.

I was enrolled in three subjects: Acute Alterations in Health, Professional Experience Placement 2, and Evidence to Inform Nursing Practice. I felt confident and ready, especially after securing my remote placement on Palm Island and receiving the Rotary Scholarship. That scholarship was a blessing and provided much-needed financial relief. I started the semester with good intentions, determined to do well.

Despite some hardships, I am deeply grateful for the support I received through the CATSINaM scholarship, which allowed me to attend the 2025 Congress Bringing Your Practice Home on Waibene (Thursday Island). Being there, listening to inspiring speakers, and connecting with other students—especially mature-aged First Nations students—was uplifting. Sharing our stories reminded me that no matter our age, we are all students facing similar challenges, and that solidarity gave me the confidence to continue.

Another highlight was attending the Sunshine Coast NAIDOC Ball 2025. Being surrounded by mob and allies, celebrating culture, and representing as a proud Yamitji woman was powerful. After such a tough term, it felt good to dress up, feel strong, and be reminded of who I am.

Reflecting on this term—the highs and the lows—I see how much I have grown. I have realised how resilient I truly am. As a proud Yamatji woman navigating both the academic and cultural worlds, I know the journey isn’t easy. But I also know that it is worth it. This term has strengthened my belief in the importance of working together to close the gap and uplift one another in this journey.