National Reconciliation Week

As Australians, we are all here, woven into this country. As part of our reconciliation journey, there are truths to tell, stories to celebrate and relationships to grow.
Reconciliation is at the heart of our nation’s future.
Join us in our nation’s reconciliation journey. - Reconciliation Australia

2 Jun 2016

2 June 2017

National Reconciliation Week is a chance to look at how we approach our reconciliation journey and this year’s theme ‘Our history, our story, our future’.

At St John of God Mt Lawley Hospital, Kija Bardi woman and university student, Ellie, is giving up her university holidays to get a head start in her career.

Ellie is interning with the Specialist Rehabilitation Service team at the hospital as part of St John of God Health Care’s Indigenous internship program, which is offered in partnership with Career Trackers.

Through the internship program, Ellie participates in a paid internship during her university holidays which gives her the opportunity to put what she has learned into practice. Ellie has travelled to WA from Melbourne to intern at St John of God Mt Lawley Hospital a number of times.

“Interning has given me confidence in my own skills and abilities.

“I have been able to consolidate course content in a practical manner and the exposure has taught me ways to be the best health professional I can be.

“This goes way beyond anything covered in the lecture theatre or classroom,” Ellie said.

Ellie is in her final year of her Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science at the Australian Catholic University, and hopes to pursue postgraduate study in physiotherapy once she graduates.

She also volunteers with an Indigenous mentoring program for secondary students, encouraging them to believe in themselves, strive to reach their goals and to obtain a higher education.

“I want to help close the gap by encouraging these students to defy stereotypical attitudes,” Ellie said.