Eastern Wheatbelt dream duo celebrate decades of service
01/12/2025
Two much-loved members of WA Country Health Service's Eastern Wheatbelt Primary Health Service (EWPHS) team have celebrated dual milestones after working together for more than three decades.
Senior Aboriginal Health Worker Jenny Yarran recently notched up 35 years’ service, while Wheatbelt Aboriginal Health Service (WAHS) Project Officer Suzann Franklin has been with the team for 30 years.
Jenny, who is based at Kellerberrin Memorial Health Service, said seeing improved outcomes in Aboriginal health over the years had been a career highlight.
“Building things from nothing and seeing the progress in communities was always good to see,” she said.
“I’ve seen many changes during my time. I see families growing, getting their healthcare seen to earlier, and having better outcomes for themselves and their loved ones as a result.”
Jenny said the milestone meant the world to her and paid tribute to all her colleagues past and present.
“I would just like to thank everyone I've had the opportunity to work alongside and learn from along the way,” she said.
“They’ve all helped me grow, given me the confidence to do things outside my comfort zone, and inspired me to strive to make the workplace the best it can be.”
Suzann, who is based at Merredin Health Service, said seeing first-hand the resilience of Aboriginal people and communities had been inspirational.
“These days there’s better support services to reduce the impacts of drugs, alcohol and tobacco, as well as more recognition of the effects of complicated trauma on people,” she said.
“I love working with our communities and seeing the children grow into young adults having their own families.”
Suzann’s career highlights included working alongside Jenny and being part of WAHS since its inception.
“I’m proud to have worked with our amazing Aboriginal health staff and Aboriginal communities, as well as allied health staff, local and tertiary hospital staff, schools, the Department of Housing, and police,” Suzann said.
A/Primary Health Manager Wheatbelt Ashleigh Southall said Jenny and Suzann’s contributions to the region had been nothing short of incredible.
“I’d like to acknowledge all the hard work that Jenny and Suzann have put in over the years—congratulations to both on their amazing achievements,” Ashleigh said.
“Both Jenny and Suzann have so much local knowledge and are such valuable assets to the Eastern Wheatbelt team and beyond.”
Senior Aboriginal Health Worker Jenny Yarran recently notched up 35 years’ service, while Wheatbelt Aboriginal Health Service (WAHS) Project Officer Suzann Franklin has been with the team for 30 years.
Jenny, who is based at Kellerberrin Memorial Health Service, said seeing improved outcomes in Aboriginal health over the years had been a career highlight.
“Building things from nothing and seeing the progress in communities was always good to see,” she said.
“I’ve seen many changes during my time. I see families growing, getting their healthcare seen to earlier, and having better outcomes for themselves and their loved ones as a result.”
Jenny said the milestone meant the world to her and paid tribute to all her colleagues past and present.
“I would just like to thank everyone I've had the opportunity to work alongside and learn from along the way,” she said.
“They’ve all helped me grow, given me the confidence to do things outside my comfort zone, and inspired me to strive to make the workplace the best it can be.”
Suzann, who is based at Merredin Health Service, said seeing first-hand the resilience of Aboriginal people and communities had been inspirational.
“These days there’s better support services to reduce the impacts of drugs, alcohol and tobacco, as well as more recognition of the effects of complicated trauma on people,” she said.
“I love working with our communities and seeing the children grow into young adults having their own families.”
Suzann’s career highlights included working alongside Jenny and being part of WAHS since its inception.
“I’m proud to have worked with our amazing Aboriginal health staff and Aboriginal communities, as well as allied health staff, local and tertiary hospital staff, schools, the Department of Housing, and police,” Suzann said.
A/Primary Health Manager Wheatbelt Ashleigh Southall said Jenny and Suzann’s contributions to the region had been nothing short of incredible.
“I’d like to acknowledge all the hard work that Jenny and Suzann have put in over the years—congratulations to both on their amazing achievements,” Ashleigh said.
“Both Jenny and Suzann have so much local knowledge and are such valuable assets to the Eastern Wheatbelt team and beyond.”
Last Updated:
01/12/2025