LAST week, on International Women’s Day (IWD), Catherine, a Clinical Nurse Consultant for Screening and Health Promotion at the Brisbane and West Moreton Youth Detention Centres was recognised.
Catherine has devoted her career to the health and wellbeing of young people, while also raising five beautiful children of her own.
Her journey began in general medicine at Ipswich Hospital, from where she transitioned to paediatrics and later to the Kimberley, focusing on indigenous and adolescent healthcare.
“I always wanted to be a nurse, there’s even a picture of me as young as three-year-old dressed like Florence Nightingale, with a tiny red cape and white hat,” Catherine said.
“My two eldest daughters are now following in my footsteps, one working in public health and the other in her second year of paramedicine studies.”
Being the youngest of five children and the first in her family to attend university, Catherine’s journey is one of breaking down barriers and encouraging youth to pursue careers in health, aiming to bridge a crucial gap in the sector.
“This is often the first-time youth within the centre have been connected with a health service. It’s important they feel they can approach us, trust that we are here to care for their health and wellbeing, without judgement.”
“An important part of this is understanding what they need from us, so a few times a week I attend circle talks where they can tell us if they want something different from the health service, and then I can take that information back to my team to see if we can do something differently for them.
“I hope that when they return to their communities, they also consider a career in health – I truly believe that if they are represented, our healthcare services will be more accessible and appealing to vulnerable groups.”
Catherine also mentioned her mother, who celebrates her birthday on IWD.
