First Nations Bupa Dentist's hopes for NAIDOC and the future

Where I’ve come from

My mum is Aboriginal South Sea Islander and dad is of German descent. Growing up I didn’t see many role models in health care other than my brother who is now a Torres Strait Islander doctor. Most of my family on my indigenous side never really had much of an academic background.

Dad is now retired but he was also dentist. He, along with my doctor brother, gave me positive male role models and I know that in the environment that I was raised in I could’ve taken a different pathway, that's for sure.

I grew up in Townsville in a blended household of 18 kids, mum had 10 and dad had eight. When my parents separated, mum had the 10 of us in a four-bedroom home and we did it pretty tough.

I went through two or three different primary schools, finished high school but didn’t have the grades to get into university. I was thankfully able to access an indigenous pathway through James Cook University which saw me redo all of my main subjects and complete my nursing degree. I then went on to do dentistry.

Where I’m going

For me, being a role model is important for my nieces and nephews who also want a career in health. I think it’s important for them to see that it’s a good opportunity not only to give back, but also for individual growth.

I think for most Indigenous youth these days, a healthcare career may seem like it's out of reach for people from certain backgrounds who don't have the academic start.

My brother is also now a Bupa dentist but used to be an electrician. We both started out working in the meatworks and we picked pineapples. It’s never too late to pursue a different pathway, but I also think those pathways need to be more visible for those who may not think it's possible.

I know that Bupa has its own Dr Evelyn Scott scholarships, awarded to indigenous students to support their health-related studies. I think that it’s that kind of support and pathways that give real opportunities to pursue successful careers. I have seen many people forced to leave university because they can’t support themselves and study at the same time.

My NAIDOC

NAIDOC week for me is about recognising and acknowledging my background. Sometimes I get so busy in my everyday work and career that I often forget where I come from. Taking a step back and acknowledging my grassroots and where I’m from is important.

Before Bupa, I worked on Palm Island off the coast of Far North Queensland. There, I was able to give back to where my family's from and that was very, very rewarding for me.

Now, being able to now work with my brother in Cairns a few days a month makes me so proud. I feel I’ve been able to make a real contribution by supporting him and being a role model for the younger generation coming through.

If I could ask one thing of non-indigenous Australians, it would be to understand our culture, where we’ve come from and what First Nations people have been through. My family, and grandma in particular, used to remind me of these things all the time.