Jarrod Parter began as RBWH’s Acting Cultural Capabilities Officer late last year.

Back in school, Jarrod Parter saw himself one day working as a police detective, or maybe in the mines. He never imagined working in health.

But that’s exactly where he has ended up after first taking up a role with Queensland Health in his hometown of Mount Isa 12 years ago. Jarrod began as RBWH’s Acting Cultural Capabilities Officer (CCO) late last year.

Jarrod is a proud Kalkadoon, Pitta Pitta, and Kaytetye man of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and South-Sea Islander origin with cultural connections across Queensland. He says he feels “lucky” to be working in Queensland’s largest hospital.

“Having had substantive positions in COH, TPCH and STARS; I feel like RBWH gives you the full picture,” he says.

“My role as the CCO will work in collaboration with hospital staff to build a culturally capable workforce whilst embedding the holistic view of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – their health – and their communities.”

He says he loves the autonomy of the CCO role, which allows him to provide hospital staff with tools, education and guidance to achieving health outcomes.

Jarrod started with Metro North in 2013 in the Community Liaison space, followed by opportunities at TPCH, Deadly Start Program, The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership Team, STARS, and the Department of Health (First Nations Health Office).

“Working in the community and hospital liaison space/public sector, really opens your eyes to the existing inequities,” Jarrod says.

“Understanding the healthcare system has been an interesting journey.”

Jarrod says working in Queensland Health offers many opportunities in both clinical, non-clinical settings and working in diverse environments that can accelerate learning and increase your skills.

“I would not be where I am without the support of my loved ones, community, past and present colleagues, previous leads/directors and executive directors,” he says.

“Working with and for the community is such a rewarding career.”