Building healthier futures for his mob

Currently completing Year 12 at BUSY Schools Cleveland, Locklyn has already achieved his Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care (HLT30121) through a school-based traineeship with TAFE Queensland. He is now enrolled in the Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care (HLT40121), continuing to build on his skills and knowledge to make a meaningful impact in First Nations health care.

Now part of the Chronic Disease Team at Redland Hospital, within the Metro South Health network, Locklyn’s experience has opened doors to both cultural connection and professional growth.

Although healthcare wasn’t part of Locklyn’s original plan, his journey began with a spark of curiosity. 

“This was an opportunity that came up through school, and I just thought I’d give it a go,” he said.

That decision has proven life changing. 

Now, as the first in his family to study at TAFE Queensland, Locklyn is setting an example for others on Minjerribah and beyond.

“I didn’t know much about health care when I started, but now I love getting out into the community and helping my own mob – encouraging them to come to appointments and take care of their health.” 

During his traineeship, Locklyn had the chance to learn from some of the most experienced professionals in healthcare. He rotated through a variety of specialties, working alongside heart failure and respiratory nurses, diabetes educators and dietitians. His hands-on experience across clinics in Capalaba, Wynnum and Minjerribah gave him a well-rounded foundation in patient care and chronic disease management.

“The teachers and the chronic disease team have all pushed me to be my best,” he said. “They’ve supported me through my studies and taught me the clinical side—things like ECGs, blood pressure, blood glucose and heart rate checks. I’ve learned how to have conversations with patients, understand their needs, and refer them on for more help.”

Locklyn credits his mentor, Tahnee (a TAFE Queensland graduate and former Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year), for helping him stay organised and motivated.

“Tahnee wasn’t just there to supervise—she helped me stay on top of my TAFE work and encouraged me when I needed it,” he shared. 

Locklyn credits his strong connection to culture and sport as key influences in shaping his confidence and discipline.

“I box and play rugby league. Boxing especially—it’s a real disciplined sport and helps with nerves and confidence. It’s the same with work—when you’re meeting patients or speaking in front of people, you just get better over time.”

He’s also passionate about the importance of male representation in the health sector, particularly in First Nations health care.

“There’s not enough of us. Having a male health worker means our men can have open conversations about men’s business,” he said. “Culturally, we have separate men’s and women’s clinics, so it’s important to have both.” 

Having completed his Certificate III and secured employment at Redland Hospital, Locklyn’s next step is to finish his Certificate IV and pursue a Diploma in Primary Health Care.

“I’ll keep working in chronic disease while I study, and then I’ll see where life takes me from there,” he said.

His advice for others considering the same path is simple but heartfelt:

“Just give it a go—even if you’re unsure. Don’t do it just for the sake of it—put your heart into it and enjoy it. It all comes together.”