‘Captured my heart’: Aspiring nurse heads to Alice Springs to learn the skills his community needs

An aspiring nurse has traded out a dug out in the outback for the Red Centre capital, all as part of an educational journey to help give back to his community. Find out more.

Rod Clements is studying health at Charles Darwin University in Alice Springs, all in a bid to give back to his new-found home of Coober Pedy. Picture: Supplied

A man’s bid to give back to his remote South Australian community has put him in the Red Centre capital, where he’s been on an “incredibly rewarding” educational journey.

Rod Clements has fallen in love with the outback, and in a bid to give back to his new-found home of Coober Pedy, he’s come to Charles Darwin University in Alice Springs to become a registered nurse.

While spending time in the Red Centre capital has been an adjustment, Mr Clements said his educational journey in Alice Springs has equipped him with the skills he needs to help the people of Coober Pedy.

“I have completed most of my placements in Alice Springs and I found them incredibly rewarding and educational … they have also already connected me to job opportunities once I finish my degree,” he said.

Taking up a nursing degree is Mr Clements fourth time back on the books studying, this time being a mature aged student.

“I reached out to a few universities and CDU had the best plan to recognise both my experience and previous qualifications,” he said.

“CDU was really transparent about recognising my previous qualifications and offering a flexible study plan based on my location, skills and areas of interest.”

Mr Clements is now in his final year, and said he can’t wait to get back down south to not only help Coober Pedians, but also those in the surrounding communities as well.