My name is Jamiliah Bin Swani, a Bard descendant from Lombadina Community located in the Kimberley region, Western Australia. I am also a Samsep descendant with ties to Erub Island in the Torres Strait Islands. After 4 years of working as an Aboriginal Health Worker in primary healthcare clinics across the Kimberley, I was inspired to further my education as a Registered Nurse so that I could improve the health care system for Indigenous people. I am currently studying a Bachelor of Nursing at Notre Dame, Fremantle and am passionate about health and advocating for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

As a current Allied Health Assistant at Children’s Health Queensland this opportunity has not only cemented my pursuit to become a qualified Physiotherapist but spiked an interest specifically in Paediatrics. As such, when I graduate, I aspire to be employed as a full-time Physiotherapist, potentially specialising in Paediatrics, where I will play a vital role in society by enhancing mobility, function, and overall wellbeing of our future generations. If I were to continue my employment with Children’s Health Queensland as a qualified Physiotherapist, I would love to work within outreach teams that travel to remote and regional Australia to provide healthcare to children that have limited access to professional healthcare services.

Ultimately, however, I want to become a culturally safe physiotherapist that engages with community and improves Indigenous health in Australia. I want to progress into higher leadership roles where I can advocate for inclusive practices that share and celebrate the oldest living culture in the world.

In reaching this goal, I will continue to learn and educate myself not only in the field of Physiotherapy but also Indigenous culture and the ongoing impact on colonisation. I will Endeavor to gain a deeper understanding of how to work with Indigenous communities through authentic and meaningful engagement and become a culturally safe physiotherapist that not only provides aid in rehabilitating injuries, managing chronic conditions, and fostering development, but ensures culturally safe healthcare to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Semester 1, 2024 I returned to Notre Dame University to finish my studies in my Bachelor of Nursing degree. Having the time off has given me the motivation and empowerment to focus on my studies and my child for a better future. Transitioning back into university life wasn’t easy, as I had to adjust to the fast-paced reality of life, compared to the more laid-back and often stressful lifestyle I was used to in the Kimberley. In Semester 1 of university, I was able to meet new people and gain lots of support within Uni, family and external networks like the Rotary Scholarship program, this network of support gave me a renewed sense of joy and purpose in attending classes, knowing that each lesson and goal brings me closer to an accomplishment.

I was enrolled in “Illness Prevention and Management” unit, where I was able to deepen my understanding of the subject through theory, building on my practical background.  I learned about primary health care and chronic illness, which was especially relevant to my previous experience as an Aboriginal Health Practitioner in the Kimberley region. I enjoyed this unit as it connected me to my work experience helping Indigenous people in rural and remote areas.  This unit is beneficial to anyone who is looking to work in rural and remote areas as it provides knowledge of the health challenges and risks these areas face.

Another valuable component, I was allocated a five-week practicum placement at Bentley Hospital in the short-stay surgical ward and day surgery facility. This allowed me to work in a new environment alongside medical professionals like anaesthetists and surgeons. This was a valuable experience as I was able to gain a comprehensive understanding of the importance of collecting data and nursing interventions during pre- and post-procedures. I found the placement invaluable, as it equipped me with essential skills for my future nursing career.

Overall, past experiences, challenges and support networks helped me to overcome challenges and transition back into the university environment giving me a purpose to continue my studies. The semester has reinforced my determination to create a better future for myself and my child through education and hard work.