One of my earliest experiences and impressions I have of the healthcare system, was when I was 8 years old….. I wanted to work in the hospital to prevent other families going through what my family went through. I was too embarrassed to share this dream with anyone until my final year of high school where I
admitted to the guidance counsellor that I wanted to go to university.

I applied and successfully got into nursing and can proudly say I have worked as a nurse for the past 14 years. In this time, I have also completed a Master of Public Health and Tropical Medicine which has launched many opportunities, including working for Doctors Without Borders. I have worked in remote, low resource settings in developing countries in places such as refugee camps, detention centres and war zones. After every contract overseas, coming home I am relieved to be back in the “lucky” country.   But one of the stark realities which I have never been able to reconcile, is how Australia has one of the best health care systems in the world and yet our First Nations people, have the same health outcomes, if not worse, than those living in developing countries.

It can feel overwhelming and unfair, when you add up all the inequities faced by our mob.  But I refuse to accept that I live in a country where my people, First Nations people, have shorter life expectancies, higher rates of illness and disease, lower levels of income, education, and employment; and higher rates of incarceration. And you start to think, it’s all too much and I’m only one person, how can I make a difference?    Well for me, I took the plunge and went after the dream I’ve always had and applied for medicine, and I got in.

There have been many times throughout my life when people have told me that I’m not smart enough or good enough; or that I’m not capable. I know I’m not alone; I know this is a message which many of our mob have heard countless times throughout their life and a sentiment that our younger generations continue to hear. I want to follow in the lead of my ancestors, to continue to push for systemic change and keep rallying and fighting for our mob and our communities. In the future, I would like to work in remote communities, to be able to provide high quality and holistic primary health care. I want to be a part of improving
the health outcomes for our mob. I also hope that I can inspire the younger generations to have the courage to go after their dreams, just like I have.