Thank you Katie Papertalk

Across WA Country Health Service (WACHS), there are many individuals whose work quietly - but profoundly - shapes the organisation and how staff care for country communities.

Today, the health service recognises one of those people – Katie Papertalk – who will soon retire from her role as Aboriginal Mental Health Coordinator in the Pilbara.

When Katie commenced  in 1988 as a Physiotherapy Assistant, the importance of cultural safety was not yet widely understood or embedded in hospital settings.

Almost immediately, her leadership helped drive meaningful change with Katie championing the establishment of more Aboriginal Liaison Officers – a role she would soon undertake herself.

Later, she would become Western Australia’s first Aboriginal Mental Health Worker where her work alongside other Aboriginal leaders would transform the Mental Health Act 2014 to include Traditional Healers.

But what Katie has done for the health service has gone far beyond her formal roles.

During her almost 40-year tenure, she has been a trusted advisor, cultural guide and advocate. She has helped us all better understand the importance of listening, learning and working in genuine partnership with Aboriginal people to improve Aboriginal health outcomes.

Katie has been a true pioneer in advocating for cultural awareness in hospital settings and helped strengthen relationships between WACHS and Aboriginal communities. She has contributed deeply to making WACHS' practices more culturally safe and helped ensure staff apply a cultural lens to the way they deliver care.

Katie has also been a passionate mentor and role model, encouraging Aboriginal people to pursue careers in health and supporting the development of a stronger Aboriginal workforce for the future. Even as she steps into retirement she is calling out for Aboriginal people to “put your hand up and give it a go – there are career pathways and job opportunities for you in Aboriginal health.”

Katie, thank you for your generosity, knowledge, cultural guidance, leadership and wisdom.

Your impact will be felt well beyond your time with WACHS and is reflected in stronger relationships, a more culturally secure service and the many Aboriginal health professionals you have inspired along the way.

You will be greatly missed by all who have had the privilege of working with you.