I was born and raised in the small town of Derby, Western Australia. My passion for mental health advocacy is deeply rooted in my upbringing. Having grown up in an area plagued by one of the world’s highest rates of suicide, I’ve been touched by the impact of mental health challenges. Witnessing the absence of adequate mental health support services in our remote communities has fuelled my resolve to effect change.

My aspiration is to work with young people from remote and regional areas, offering them the support and understanding I yearned for during my own upbringing. By providing a relatable presence and validating their feelings and experiences, I aim to empower young people on their personal journeys toward healing and growth.

Beyond my professional endeavours, I am deeply committed to giving back to my community and fostering genuine connections with those around me.

As a qualified Psychologist, I intend to be deeply dedicated to addressing the mental health disparities prevalent in Indigenous communities, particularly within the Kimberley region, which unfortunately holds one of the world’s highest suicide rates. Having grown up as an Aboriginal woman in regional and remote Western Australia, I intimately understand and acknowledge the historical and systemic challenges faced by Indigenous communities. Leveraging my cultural and educational background, my approach will blend cultural competence, community engagement, and evidence-based practices.

To contribute effectively to improving Indigenous health, I will prioritise cultural competency in patient interactions. Drawing from personal experiences, I aim to create culturally safe environments that foster trust and mutual respect. In addition, I will uphold traditional protocols and collaborate with Traditional Elders and Leaders.

Community engagement will be central to my practice. I am committed to partnering with Indigenous communities, local leaders, and organisations to tailor healthcare solutions to each community’s unique needs. By forging these partnerships, I can provide culturally sensitive psychological interventions responsive to community-specific challenges.

Furthermore, I am dedicated to continuous learning, and staying well-informed of the latest research in Indigenous mental health. By integrating evidence-based practices, I can ensure the care I provide is informed by current, effective strategies for promoting mental health and social well-being within Indigenous communities.

In summary, my commitment to improving Indigenous health is rooted in cultural competence, community engagement, advocacy, and lifelong learning. Through collaboration and culturally responsive care, I aim to contribute meaningfully to enhancing Indigenous mental health outcomes.

Entering my first semester of the Master of Professional Psychology program, I anticipated challenges, but I could not have foreseen the intensity of the practical components, particularly the regular role plays as a therapist. These role plays were designed to consolidate the theoretical material delivered each week, but they also introduced a new level of anxiety for me.  Not only was I learning new concepts, but I was also stepping into unfamiliar territory, where my performance felt subject to constant evaluation. There were moments when I wanted to retreat.  However, I made a conscious decision to persevere. I reminded myself of my goals and the importance of these experiences for my future career.

Through this journey, I discovered another layer of resilience within myself. As despite the discomfort, I persisted with the role plays, and gradually, I noticed a shift. By the end of the semester, I felt a profound sense of accomplishment. Passing my semester 1 units was a significant achievement, but more importantly, I had faced my fears and emerged stronger. This experience has reinforced my commitment to my studies and to my future profession.

I am proud of my journey so far, and grateful for the support of Australian Rotary Health. Your scholarship has not only alleviated some of my financial pressures, but it has also been a source of encouragement, as I navigate this challenging yet rewarding path. Thank you for believing in my potential and for contributing to my academic and personal growth.