Summary
First Nations training programs are opening doors for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Central Queensland to pursue their aspirations in health.
Jamie Parker began her journey through the Deadly Start School-Based Traineeship Program in Biloela, completing her school studies through distance education and block training.
As Jamie’s skills and confidence grew, so did her passion for healthcare. She recently completed both her traineeship and high school studies and is now transitioning directly into the First Nations Cadetship Program to study midwifery.
The cadetship will allow Jamie to continue gaining practical experience as a part-time staff member at Biloela Hospital while she studies a Bachelor of Midwifery through Australian Catholic University.
It’s a dream come true for the bright and caring teenager who loves helping people and wants to make a difference for her community.
“I know a lot of people who have a fear of going to hospital, who are scared about what will happen to them,” Jamie said.
“But working in the hospital allows me to reassure friends and family that health staff are not there to judge or get them in trouble, their priority is to provide the support you need.”
Jamie said it was the little moments during a shift that reminded her she was in the right place.
“I love being part of the team – the staff have always made to feel so welcome and we have a few laughs.
“And then the other day I left a room in tears. I was rubbing lotion on an elderly lady's legs when she said, ‘You don’t know how much we appreciate you doing the things we can’t do ourselves”.
Jamie’s decision to study midwifery is perfect timing, with Central Queensland Health committed to building a birthing service in Biloela that provides culturally safe and accessible care for the community.