Image Caption: Rickisha, Shannon and Antonia holding the NWHHS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Strategy 2019-2026.

The North West Hospital and Health Service (NWHHS) has welcomed Rickisha Hill and Antonia Connelly, TAFE students completing their Certificate III in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care and completing their 120 hours of practical work experience at NWHHS.

Rickisha (left) is from Mornington Island and said she relocated to Mount Isa for the opportunity to complete her studies.

"This course is a pathway to a good career, especially for our mob. It's really good getting that knowledge and understanding of health," she said.

"Before this, I was a stay at home mum, and now that the kids are at school, this is my opportunity to get a career. I want to keep studying and eventually be a senior health care worker."

Antonia (right) has just finished grade 12, said she was inspired to go into the health care field by her dad, Ted, who completed his Healthcare Worker certification and placement at NWHHS in 2018 and now works at the Mount Isa Hospital in the Chronic Disease Unit. 

"My dad always came home from work and encouraged me and my siblings to work hard, and then he became a health worker and started inspiring me to become one. Then I started doing my cert III to follow in his footsteps," she said.

Shannon Ah Sam (centre), the Acting Indigenous Workforce Coordinator, said this program offered students an excellent opportunity to develop their skills and the program also aligns with the NWHHS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workforce Strategy.

"Placements show students how to support the delivery of clinical and community care necessary to help our mob," she said.

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Media contact:

Sally Brady
Senior Public Relations Officer
Phone: 0428 043 787
Email: sally.brady@health.qld.gov.au

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