WQ Nursing Futures Program Launch
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders people will have the opportunity to become enrolled nurses without the need to move away from their local communities for training, under a new program launched in Western Queensland.
The WQ Nursing Futures Program will give successful applicants the chance to “earn and learn” at their local hospital or health service rather than relocate closer to city-based education facilities.
“This is the very definition of a win-win for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Western Queensland,” Western Queensland Primary Health Network (WQPHN) CEO and proud Gunggari woman Sandy Gillies explains. “Not only do they get to train as enrolled nurses without having to carry the immense cost of education and travel, but they also become pivotal in helping improve health outcomes for First Nations peoples.”
“We know that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders feel less overwhelmed and more culturally safe when they interact with their own mob, so this is a way to foster a greater level of comfort and confidence in the health system to improve attendances for screening and other preventative procedures.”
The WQ Nursing Futures Program is looking for candidates of all ages in South West and North West Queensland to undertake a fully-funded Diploma of Nursing whilst working and earning a salary at their local health service. The Program is a collaboration between the WQPHN, the South West Hospital and Health Service (SWHHS) and the North West Hospital and Health Service (NWHHS).
WQPHN Commissioning Coordinator and Yuggera woman Maleeta Richards’ daughter Aleysha has recently completed her nursing qualifications, while balancing care of her three children. “We are so proud of her, she worked really hard, and she had the support of her family wrapped around her while she studied which was so important,” Maleeta said.
“Family support is crucial especially when you’ve got young people with children who face the prospect of leaving home to train as a nurse. It’s impossible to manage a situation like that for many of us.”
“So having the ability to earn a living and train in your own community is a life-changing opportunity, not only for this generation but for future generations of our mob who’ll witness their parents or relatives building a career in nursing and be inspired to do the same thing.”
The WQ Nursing Futures Program is encouraging candidates to APPLY NOW, with the first intake of trainee nurses scheduled for April 2025.
“I started my career in health as a nurse in Charleville which opened so many opportunities to different roles and career paths within the health system,” Sandy Gillies said.
“It was definitely a sliding doors moment for me, and I encourage anyone who’s interested in nursing and a career in health more generally to apply for these positions which allow you stay on country, and earn while you learn.”
Building the local First Nations Enrolled Nurse Workforce is funded through the First Nations Training Strategy, powered by the Queensland Government's Good people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022-2032.
The program is also funded by the First Nations Health Office Queensland Health, a great example of collaboration between government agencies who’re providing local solutions to state-wide and national priorities.
For more information about the Nursing Futures Program email wq_admin@wqphn.com.au
For picture and interview opportunities: Media Liaison - Paul Stone (WQPHN) M: 0414 326 848 E: paul@sticksandstonespr.com.au