Victoria

I am a proud trawlwoolway palawa man from North East lutruwita (Tasmania); tebrakunna country, but grew up on Wurundjeri Marin-Balluk country in the North Western suburbs of Narrm (Melbourne). I am also proud to identify with my Italian and Slavic heritage. I am currently in my third year of medicine at Monash University completing my first year of clinical placements.

My name is Jayde Couzens, I am a proud Noongar and Gunditjmara woman. I live with my 6-year-old son, Allakai and my partner who is a stay-at-home father, who is now trying to seek employment. I am living on Yorta-Yorta country in Katunga, while working at Goulburn Valley Health and studying at Latrobe Shepparton.

I am a proud Whadjuk Noongar and Yindjibarndi woman and am currently in my 2nd year of Medical School at Monash university. Outside of my studies I am a part of an initiative to help increase university attendance for students from underrepresented backgrounds. As well I try to involve pilates, yoga and pottery into my weekly schedule if time allowing.

I am an Ugarem-le man with ties to Ugar island in the Torres straits and a final-year medical student studying at Monash University Melbourne. My journey into medicine has been shaped by personal experiences navigating the healthcare system alongside close relatives facing both chronic and acute illnesses. Witnessing these challenges first hand has driven my passion for improving healthcare access and outcomes for First Nations people.

My name is Kaiara Braybrook and I am a proud Kuku Yalanji woman. My mob is from Far North Queensland and I have grown up immersed in the Wurundjeri community. I will soon finish my medical degree and am currently aspiring to be a General Practitioner. As a doctor I intend to work with Indigenous communities to advocate for culturally safe care and aid in bridging the gap in healthcare for Indigenous peoples.

My name is Casey Slade, I’m a Ngiyampaa man from Ivanhoe NSW. I was born at Lismore base hospital but shortly moved to my dad’s hometown of Ivanhoe. We lived there for a few years before moving to Mildura and finally settling in Wentworth where I live when not at university. I was never sure what I wanted to do after high school until a few close family members needed to see specialists and I realised just how big of a barrier travelling so far for healthcare was, let alone the impacts it has on the person and their families.

My name is Ebony Woolstencroft (née Atkinson), a proud Bangerang woman who grew up in Tatura and now resides in Kialla. In the early 2000s, I successfully completed a TAFE certificate and became a registered Division 2 (enrolled) nurse, working in aged care for two years. However, life’s unexpected turns led me away from nursing, and I transitioned into a career as an administration and customer service officer, where I gained 15 years of valuable experience.

My name is Leila and I am a proud Palawa woman and a third-year medical student at Monash University. I was born in Nowra, New South Wales, and spent much of my early life moving across Australia, living in places such as Wagga Wagga, Adelaide and Ballarat. I completed high school at Damascus College Ballarat before beginning my medical degree at Monash University in 2023.

My name is Talia Cooke, I am a proud Gunnai Kurnai and Gunditjmara woman born and raised in the Latrobe Valley region of Victoria. Since I was young, I knew I wanted to be a doctor. Coming from a blue-collar family with no healthcare workers has proved this adventure to be unpredictable at best. I am extremely proud to say I am entering my fourth year of Medicine at Monash University and have enjoyed every step of the journey.

I am Alison Hammond, a final year Oral Health Therapy student and proud Gunaikurnai woman. I was lucky enough to grow up in the East Gippsland region in regional Victoria, and live most of my life there, including completing my high school education and working in the area for many years. After over 3 years working as a dental assistant, I decided I was ready to upskill in the dental field and become an Oral Health Therapist. This involved quitting my job and leaving my family to make the move to Bendigo to attend La Trobe University.