Developing the next leaders of country health

This week, we celebrate a new milestone in the WA Country Health Service Aboriginal Leadership Program.

The first cohort of participants to take part in the program in the Pilbara have officially completed their Certificate IV in Leadership and Management at the North Regional TAFE.

The program, which launched in the Pilbara in 2021, was designed to prepare emerging Aboriginal staff members to undertake front line management roles in a wide range of organisational and health-industry contexts.

Executive Director for the Pilbara Lisa Smith said the program highlights our commitment to growing and developing our Aboriginal workforce.

“At WA Country Health Service, we are committed to investing in our people,” she said.

“We’re proud to support this cohort of participants on their learning and development journey, and we’re excited to see our future leaders grow.”

Participants in the nationally accredited program come from across the Pilbara – from fields including mental health, outpatient care, population health and nursing.

This includes Jenny Baraga, an Aboriginal Mental Health Worker with more than 30 years of experience working in country health.

“I have enjoyed participating in the program and once I had gotten over my initial nervousness about being the oldest person in class, I found the study fulfilling and challenging,” she said.

“Being an Elder, a Karriyarra Traditional Owner and a leader in country health means so much to me. My family were a part of the Stolen Generation, so I believe strongly in empowering others and ourselves through education.”

Jenny says she is already practising her newfound leadership skills, which came in handy when she was asked to act up in the Aboriginal Mental Health Coordinator role this year.

“The Certificate IV in Leadership and Management has helped me hone my skills and provided me with the training and support I needed to take on senior roles,” she said.

“I continually try my best to be a role model for our young, a resource for our mob, be accessible and approachable to anyone who needs advice, support and assistance.”