Lynne Mitchell takes country health outcomes to the next level four decades on

With a background working across working across social work and population health, Carnarvon-based Senior Aboriginal Health Program Officer Lynne Mitchell is passionate about improving the lives of those in rural and remote WA.

She’s been in her new role at Carnarvon Health Campus since June last year.

As a key player behind the Birthing on Country project, she’s part of a team that’s co-designing culturally safe maternity care models with local Aboriginal women, offering a wealth of experience and commitment to country healthcare that remains strong after almost four decades.

On-site engagement, local community knowledge and enabling supportive links are all part of the job, and Lynne says she loves every second of it.

“I love to focus on positives, so I embrace opportunities designed to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal community members and ultimately for all people who live in regional and remote areas.”

Lynne first joined WA Country Health Service working in Outpatients in 1988.

Taking a break to pursue study goals, Lynne was soon back in country health, this time in the Social Work department at Geraldton Health Campus.

Continuous growth and caring for others have been at the heart of her career spanning close to four decades, which Lynne puts down to embracing training opportunities that arise and approaching challenges with optimism.

“I’ve loved working at WA Country Health Service because each and every step of my journey has involved personal learning,” Lynne said.

“I didn’t have a health background when I became part of Population Health, so training became very important.” 

When asked about the proudest and most memorable aspects of her career, Lynne said it would be attaining her tertiary qualifications.

Her Bachelor of Applied Science – Aboriginal Community Health from Curtin University, and Graduate Diploma Indigenous Health Promotion from the University of Sydney, have not only brought her certificates to look back on fondly, but have played an integral part in her ongoing career development.

With her sights set on the future, Lynne is keen to complete further studies this year.

While she’s already achieved a great deal, Lynne actively encourages anyone interested to “take the plunge and dive into a health career.”

“With so much happening in Health, there’s scope to pursue careers in whichever area you may have an interest,” Lynne said. 

“Don’t be afraid to look at areas which you may not know much about – the health field is very diverse and there are many opportunities to learn and develop new skills.”

Are you on the hunt for a job in country WA? Browse jobs.wa.gov.au for upcoming opportunities to work alongside healthcare champions like Lynne and make a difference to country communities.