Nyirrunggulung-RISE has proudly kicked-off the Aboriginal Health Coaches program with our partners, Katherine West Health Board (KWHB), Star College Australia and Carers NT.
Aboriginal Health Coaches is a groundbreaking program that aims to empower Aboriginal people throughout the Big Rivers Region through healthcare education, tailored support and employment.
We started in Kalkarindji in February, with seven students attending 2-weeks of theory study and training, covering essential skills and knowledge for chronic health conditions, health coaching and teaching self-management plans.
Following this, they moved into a 10-week clinical training block at the KWHB Kalkarindji Clinic, where they are currently working
In the past two weeks, we replicated this same training in Lajamanu, with nine students completing their theory and moving into practical training at the KWHB Lajamanu clinic.
This hands-on experience at the clinic is an important step in their learning journey, allowing them to apply their skills in a real-world setting while further developing their knowledge and confidence.
We were so impressed with our new students who all showed up early, had their noses in their books, and were open and excited to learn.
We are delighted to share that everyone who enrolled completed with a 100% attendance rate!
This interest and dedication not only highlights the need for Aboriginal specific healthcare training, it is also a testament to the work of our Nyirrunggulung-RISE, Star College and KWHB teams.
They helped the students to overcome challenges such as transport and childcare, stay motivated and adapted the content delivery to suit their abilities.
One of the key components of success was having a local Aboriginal mentor attend each day to provide cultural support and encouragement to the students.
Some of our students shared their thoughts on the program:
“I feel like I'm learning something that can help my grandma.”
“Helping people in my own community makes me feel proud.”
“I’ve learned so much, and I know this training will open doors for me.”
After 6-months of training on Country and in-clinic, these students will graduate with a nationally recognised Aboriginal Heath Coach certification and be ready for employment in any community healthcare or wellbeing setting.
The second blocks of training in Kalkarindji and Lajamanu start in May and June. In the second half of the year, the program will be launched in Yarralin and Timber Creek.
would like to give a special thanks to our Program Manager, Luke Saddler, who has worked tirelessly to build connections in community, enrol students, support them throughout their training and bring all our teams together.
We’re grateful to have him on the team and see the big impact he’s making on communities!
