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.

Throughout this time, the desire to return to nursing never left me. Initially, I aspired to complete a Bachelor of Nursing but wasn’t ready to commit to the demands of university study. Years later, with my two children now in primary school, I discussed my ambitions with my husband,  who wholeheartedly supported my decision to pursue my dream. I am now in my final year of the Bachelor of Nursing, having studied part-time for three years and full-time in my final year.

I have embraced university life, seizing every opportunity along the way. I have had unwavering support from my family, academic mentors, and generous scholarship programs. Their encouragement has eased the journey both financially and mentally, and I am incredibly grateful for these opportunities. I look forward to graduating and continuing my passion for nursing.

My passion for improving Indigenous health is deeply rooted in my family’s legacy. My grandparents, John and Gwen Atkinson, were instrumental in establishing the Rumbalara Aboriginal Medical Centre in the 1970s, creating a foundation for accessible and culturally safe healthcare for Aboriginal people in Mooroopna and surrounding areas. My grandmother, remained a strong advocate for Indigenous health, helping to establish the Minyah Barmah Room at GV Health to provide a culturally supportive space for Aboriginal families with loved ones in hospital. She also played a key role in strengthening the partnership between Rumbalara and GV Health, ensuring better healthcare access for our people.

Inspired by their dedication, I am committed to continuing their legacy as a nurse. I understand the barriers Aboriginal people face in accessing healthcare, including cultural safety, trust, and systemic inequities. My goal is to provide patient-centered, culturally appropriate care that respects the values and traditions of Aboriginal patients and their families.

Beyond my clinical role, I am passionate about advocating for greater Indigenous representation in healthcare. I hope to mentor and support future Indigenous nurses, encouraging more Aboriginal people to pursue careers in health.

Long-term, I would be honoured to work with my community, focusing on health education and early intervention programs to address preventable diseases and improve long-term health outcomes for our people.