Meet the Nurse Advocating for Aboriginal Health & Wellbeing

When Jackie finished high school, she was unsure which career path to pursue. With no family history of higher education, she didn’t always see university as a priority. However, her parents encouraged her to seize any opportunity that could lead to a better future - discovering the University of Newcastle’s Yapug program became a pivotal moment in Jackie’s life.

“My journey taught me that it’s okay to take your time to figure things out, and that university isn’t always a straight path. What matters is finding something you’re passionate about and making it work for you in your own time.”

The Yapug pathway program gave Jackie the support and confidence to step into her higher education journey and entry into a Bachelor of Nursing. Inspired by her mum, an Enrolled Nurse (EN), whose unwavering dedication to caring for others left a lasting impression.

“Coming from a family where university wasn’t the norm, I didn’t always see people like me in higher education or leadership roles. That’s part of what drives me today—to show other young Aboriginal people that we belong in these spaces and that we can create change from within. My family’s experiences, struggles, and strengths have shaped my passion for advocating for better health outcomes for our people and ensuring that education and healthcare are more accessible to future generations.”

While she studied her degree, Jackie found a sense of belonging at the Wollotuka Institute. It became a second home, offering a culturally safe space where she felt understood, supported, and connected to other Aboriginal students.

“The staff at Wollotuka were incredible mentors who encouraged me to push through challenges and reminded me of the bigger picture, why I was there and who I was doing it for.”

Through her experiences at Wollotuka, Jackie received an opportunity to take on the NSW Health Aboriginal Nursing Cadetship, allowing her to work in real clinical settings while studying. An experience that provided valuable insight into the healthcare system, shed light on the systemic barriers faced by Aboriginal patients, and offered a unique opportunity to connect with Aboriginal health workers, nurses, and mentors.

One of the most significant milestones during her time at university was being awarded two scholarships: the prestigious New Colombo Plan Scholarship and the Les Elvin Memorial Indigenous Scholarship in Nursing. These opportunities allowed Jackie to take part in a cultural study tour in Cambodia, broadening her perspective on global health, healthcare systems, and the critical role culture plays in shaping health outcomes. They also provided her with important financial and academic support throughout her studies.

“It was a huge honour to be recognised for my commitment to nursing and Aboriginal health, and it gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward in my career.”

Driven by a heart to give back, throughout her time at University, Jackie mentored and helped to guide other students on their own journeys as a Central Coast Nursing Ambassador, Central Coast Aboriginal Student Ambassador, as well as a Nursing Tutor.

Jackie graduated in 2021 and was honoured to be selected as the graduate speaker for her ceremony. Standing before more than 300 students, she reflected on both the challenges and triumphs of her journey – a moment that was made even more special by having her parents in the audience, allowing her to acknowledge the sacrifices they made to help her follow her dreams.

“In that moment, I realised how far I had come, not just as a student, but as a proud Gomeroi woman determined to create change in the health sector.”

After graduation, Jackie began working as a Perioperative Nurse (often referred to as scrub/scout nurse). She thrived in the fast-paced, technical environment but soon noticed significant gaps in culturally safe care for Aboriginal patients. There were substantial systemic barriers stemming from a lack of understanding within the healthcare system. Determined to make a difference, Jackie transitioned into population health, taking on the role of Aboriginal Population Health Trainee (APHTI) at the Central Coast Local Health District. Here Jackie contributed to health promotion, policy development, and research projects aimed at addressing the root causes of health inequalities.

Today, Jackie is at the heart of shaping policies and programs that address Aboriginal mental health across NSW within her role at the Ministry of Health. With a strong commitment to improving outcomes, she collaborates closely with the Aboriginal Community Controlled sector, government, and non-profit organisations across the state, building partnerships and fostering meaningful engagement.

Whether she's leading research, developing strategic advice, or evaluating new approaches, Jackie’s work ensures that Aboriginal mental health programs continue to evolve and make a lasting impact across the state.

“Too often, Aboriginal Health programs and policies are designed and implemented without Aboriginal People. It is pivotal that Aboriginal Leadership, consultation and involvement occurs every step of the way for services to work within community. Understanding that every community is different and there is no one size fits all. My role is about changing that narrative, ensuring Aboriginal people are leading the conversation and that culturally safe, community-led approaches are prioritised.”

At just 26 years old, Jackie has already made a profound impact on communities, but she is far from done. She knows that the work she is doing now is only the beginning, and she is determined to keep pushing forward, creating a legacy that will inspire and empower future generations of Aboriginal women to follow their dreams.

“Even if the spaces you enter weren’t designed for us, you belong there. Our voices, our experiences, and our cultural knowledge are powerful, and they are needed in healthcare. Healthcare can be a tough field, and working in public health, mental health and policy can sometimes feel slow-moving. But every step you take helps pave the way for future generations. Your presence in this space is already creating change.”