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.

Over the past six months, I’ve continued my journey to becoming a Psychologist, now studying in the Master of Clinical Psychology program at Curtin University. In semester one I undertook a 50 day practicum placement at Curtin Psychology Clinic, and I’m now currently preparing to begin my final clinical placement at Murdoch University, where I’ll be working with university students in both individual and group counselling settings.

The past semester has been a mix of growth, pressure, and deep reflection. Clinical training is demanding, and being in the thick of it has pushed me to develop my confidence, adaptability, and professional identity. This, along with the academic load made it heavy but I’m proud to say that I passed all of my units and have met all my course requirements so far. Seeing those results was a moment of relief and accomplishment.

Looking ahead, I’m focused on completing my placement hours, finishing my final coursework, and beginning the process of applying for general registration at the end of the year.

This scholarship has made a meaningful difference to my studies, especially with the rising cost of living.