I am a proud Torres Strait Islander woman descendant from Saibai Island in the Torres Strait.

I came from a little community known as BAMAGA in the Northern Peninsula Area of Cape York.

Born at Thursday Island, I relocated down here from the far north cane town,
Ingham, which is well known for Italian festivals.

I worked as a community support worker before applying to be an Indigenous Liaison Officer at RBWH. I transferred to Caboolture Hospital and I have seen many changes over many years.

When I first started there were only two of us working across the whole hospital. Now there are more than 10 in our local team, which is deadly.

When I look back through the years, my most memorable moment was when a patient from Arnhem Land and her Aunty accepted me as their sister due to breaking down the language barrier.

So, it’s important to show community the hospital is a safe place for healing and better health outcomes.

To me personally, it’s important that community is aware that myself and other team members are here to support and help with their medical journey when they present here at Caboolture Hospital or the satellite hospitals.

Working at Caboolture Hospital over the years I have built many relationships with staff and patients, and I enjoy what I do.

I now get to support the next generation of team members coming to the hospital.

Seeing the Deadly Start trainees coming in and sitting with us as team members is amazing.

I always say to them I wish I had that opportunity when I was starting out.

I get emotional thinking about the future and I plan to keep working as long as I can.

Have you got a story to share? Email ckw-engage@health.qld.gov.au.