Growing our Aboriginal workforce

One of the key employment initiatives helping WA Country Health Service grow its Aboriginal workforce is the WA Health Aboriginal Graduate Program – with two new graduates recently starting their careers in country WA.

The program creates opportunities for Aboriginal university graduates to develop their skills in both clinical and administrative areas, within a culturally safe and supportive workplace.

The program is a two-year graduate employment pathway that equips graduates with the experience, mentorship and training needed to thrive in their chosen fields.

Executive Director People, Capability and Culture Colette Young said WA Country Health Service is committed to creating a work environment that reflects the rich diversity of the communities it serves.

“The Aboriginal Graduate Program is an investment in people, culture and the future of healthcare in country WA,” she said.

“Growing our own workforce through programs like this is essential to creating a more connected and equitable health system.

“We’ve seen an increase in Aboriginal cadetships and traineeships, increasing from two to five Aboriginal cadets and a total of 18 traineeships across the last financial year. These programs provide a valuable career pathway for Aboriginal employees – but our work doesn’t stop here.”

Cassandra Dempsey’s story shows just how impactful the program can be.

Cassandra’s journey with WA Country Health Service began in 2022 through the WA Health Cadetship Program.

While completing her undergraduate degree in Indigenous Community Management and Development, she gained valuable experience working with our Aboriginal Workforce and Population Health teams.

Upon graduation, Cassandra was offered a role as Human Resources Officer through the graduate program. She now works with the Aboriginal Workforce and Human Resources team to promote equity and inclusion in healthcare.

“Translating classroom skills into practical work at WA Country Health Service has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey,” she said.

“Having a supportive line manager was very beneficial in my development. I’d never worked in the public sector before, so they helped me understand the government environment and ways of working,” she said.

Working in country WA has been a highlight of her career so far allowing her to gain experience in the areas she’s most passionate about - Aboriginal health and community empowerment.

Cassandra’s end goal is to return to her hometown in Broome, to continue making a meaningful impact.

“This program has given me the tools to enhance my workplace relationships, develop an autonomous work ethic and build the skills I need to contribute to my community,” she said.

For Matthew Hanzel-Fuller, the Aboriginal Graduate Program represents the beginning of an exciting career with WA Country Health Service.

Having completed the WA Health Cadetship Program while studying his Bachelor of Psychology, Matthew said it gave him a clear pathway to harness his skills in a practical setting.

“The program gave me the chance to practice what I was learning in real time and build connections with allied health therapists and community networks,” he said.

Matthew said he’s looking forward to gaining practical, face-to-face skills while deepening his understanding of WA Country Health Service.

“I want to be a face for the Indigenous community in mental health support and help decrease statistics in mental health for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples,” he shared.

If you’re an Aboriginal university graduate looking to make a difference, explore the opportunities offered through the WA Health Aboriginal Graduate Program.