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.

Semester 2 of 2024 marked the final chapter of my one-year Master of Professional Psychology program. This semester was particularly challenging, not just academically but personally, as I navigated several difficult circumstances. Despite these hurdles, I emerged stronger, more resilient, and with a deeper appreciation for the work I am committed to pursuing.

One of the most significant opportunities I took this semester was completing my practicum placement in Kununurra. This placement saw me travelling to nearby towns like Wyndham and Halls Creek, as well as visiting a local Aboriginal community school. Although I am familiar with small town life in Derby, the experience of working in these regional areas provided me with a broader understanding of the unique challenges and needs of these communities. It was eye
opening to see the way schools operated in these areas and the varying levels of support and resources available to both staff and students.

The practicum placement was not without its challenges. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, demanding more flexibility, adaptability, and emotional endurance than I had anticipated. However, it was also incredibly rewarding. I had the opportunity to work alongside some truly remarkable psychologists, whose passion for their work and commitment to the communities they serve were inspiring. Their dedication reminded me why I chose this path in the first place and solidified my resolve to continue in the field of psychology. I will carry the lessons learned and the relationships built during this experience with me throughout my career.

Completing this program has been a major milestone, and I am deeply grateful for the support I received along the way. The teaching staff played an essential role in helping me navigate the challenges of the course, offering encouragement, insight, and guidance when I needed it most.  The financial support provided by the Rotary scholarship also made a difference, easing some of the stress related to the financial burdens of study and allowing me to focus more fully on my
learning and professional growth.

As I reflect on this journey, I am filled with a sense of accomplishment. I have not only completed my Master of Professional Psychology but have also been accepted into the Master of Clinical Psychology program for the upcoming year. I feel incredibly fortunate to be given the opportunity to continue my education and deepen my expertise in this field.

Looking forward, I know that the experiences, challenges, and people I encountered during last semester will stay with me for a long time. They have shaped me into a more compassionate and determined individual, ready to take on the next phase of my career. I am excited to continue this journey and to see where it takes me, knowing that I have the knowledge, skills, and support to succeed.