5 December 2024

Meet Wendy, our new Senior Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer. Wendy brings a rich tapestry of cultural heritage and a profound dedication to her role. Born in Naarm/Melbourne, Wendy’s ancestry weaves through Australian, New Zealand Māori, Scottish, Irish, and English roots on her mother’s side, and deep connections to Darrajayin/Beagle Bay Mission and the Torres Strait Islands on her father’s side.

Living on Taungurung Land with her husband Peter, Wendy finds solace and strength in being on Country, despite her Saltwater origins.

We spoke to Wendy about her role and what she hopes to achieve.

What inspired you to pursue a career as an Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer, and what do you hope to achieve in this role?
I have a deep commitment to ensuring our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members are valued, respected, heard and seen. I strive to ensure better health outcomes for our people.

Can you share some of the key responsibilities and challenges you face in your profession?
Part of my job is engaging with community that are in hospital. This can be challenging when you live and work in community and you ARE community, the emotional cultural load can at times be overwhelming. Finding that balance of when to switch off is always something that you must work at. It does not come easy.

What are some of your personal ambitions within the field of Aboriginal health, and how do you plan to make a difference in our community?

I am committed to making sure that those around me understand the importance of better health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the importance of working collaboratively on achieving this.

I work on achieving this by networking and building strong relationships with all stakeholders, but also, building an army of allies who want the same for my people.

Could you tell us a few fun facts about yourself that your colleagues and the community might not know?
I am a radio broadcaster and have been for over 25 years. I love music and interviewing interesting people and highlight the great things that people do. Whether it be music, art, authors, politicians, community workers and everyone in between. I also strive to showcase local unsigned artists and introduce my listeners to all the great Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians and artists we have here in Australia.

What are your favourite activities or hobbies that you enjoy outside of work?
I love to swim, read, weave, sing, travel, find amazing new food delights and I love just trying and experiencing new things.

How do you stay motivated and passionate about your work in Aboriginal health?
It easy to stay motivated when I am working for the health and wellbeing of our people. My community motivates me in what they achieve in their lives and the young emerging leaders excite me in the work they are doing. This motivates me to pass on my knowledge and experience so they can continue the work. My health and the health of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is in good hands.

Can you describe a particularly rewarding experience you've had in your career so far?
There are many, many experiences that I have had in my career that have been memorable and rewarding. They are all special in their own unique way. I love it when I have been able to guide and mentor individuals to believe in their own capabilities and go on to believe in themselves.

I remember a young single mum of two, who I was teaching to be a Personal Care Attendant in Aged Care. Like most adult learners, they have self-doubt and do not believe that they can achieve their dreams. This young woman had, since she was a child, wanted to be a nurse, but did not think she was smart enough to go on and do further study. After completing her Cert IV in Aged Care and mentoring her throughout the course, I can now happily say that she is now a Registered Nurse and has been for 10 years. This is not what I did, but it shows you the amazing things that people are capable of if you show them some kindness and help guide and mentor them.