Students from the Deadly Start program graduate in Townsville ready to start healthcare careers

Ten Indigenous students in Townsville have just taken a giant leap into the healthcare industry, armed with new skills and hands-on hospital experience. Find out more.

First Nations students, with Connect ‘N’ Grow trainer Rob Wilcock and Seed Foundation pathways support officer Sharon Phineasa, graduated from the Deadly Start Program at a ceremony at Townsville PCYC. Picture: Nikita McGuire

Prepared with new skills and ready to enter the healthcare industry, 10 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students have gained hands-on experience working in a hospital, with some of the students inspired by their families to work in health.

Graduating with a Certificate III in Health Support Assistance, Year 12 students from the inaugural Deadly Start Program in Townsville were congratulated by the community and proud family members on Tuesday morning.

Graduating student Zali Tambo has followed in her mother’s footsteps and is looking to start her career in the healthcare industry.

“It’s been really great to be part of this group,” she said.

“We’ve been in the hospital in all the different areas and also at Kirwan (Health Campus).”

With a goal of one day working in aged care, Zali said she enjoyed the practical training.

The ceremony marked the completion of 12 months of training and theory, doing placements with the Townsville Hospital and Health Service in collaboration with Connect ‘N’ Grow and Seed Foundation Australia.

While also doing Year 11 and 12 studies, students did work placement one day a week and took part in study sessions with Connect ‘N’ Grow twice a week.

The program, which was brought to Townsville in June last year, has been running across the state from Weipa down to the southwest.

Seed Foundation Australia administration officer De’arne French said the program highlighted the importance of having First Nations health workers in the community.

“They are really getting the foundation as to what to expect within the health industry,” she said.

“Thirty per cent of people that attend the hospital are Aborigional and Torres Strait Islander, and we know that they feel more comfortable when being looked after by Aborigional and Torres Strait Islanders.”

Ms French said some graduating students had been offered jobs, with others using the program as a stepping stone for their career or further study.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service Board chair Tony Mooney said he first heard about the program in Brisbane and knew he had to bring it to North Queensland.

“I make the commitment that we are going to keep this going,” he said. 

Graduating students: Bevan Kepa, Tikisha Mari, Amira Bloss, Zali Tambo, Kenya Mari, Lillianne Leony, Jeniqua Sauer, Elichie Tamwoy, Taliliya Toby and Mariah Quakawoot-Smallwood.

Originally published as Students from the Deadly Start program graduate in Townsville ready to start healthcare careers