Michael turns a shared TAFE Queensland journey into a purpose driven health career

Opportunities felt limited, and at times, so did expectations.

“There wasn’t a lot to do or many options after school,” Mike reflected.

“I was often told I wouldn’t do much with my life. That sticks with you.”

Today, Mike’s reality tells a very different story. He is a registered Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioner working within Queensland Health in an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Worker capacity.

Mike is building a career grounded in cultural strength, community connection and leadership, a journey that began with TAFE Queensland and a conversation that changed everything.

After finishing school, Mike was preparing to move to Cairns to study Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Business Leadership and Management.

But just before starting, fellow First Nations student, Josiah Little, inspired him to take up a career in the health industry.

Josiah, who Mike would later describe as a mentor, had already begun studying Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care through TAFE Queensland.

Josiah’s passion for health and community work was contagious.

“Josiah explained what the course was about and how rewarding the work could be,” Mike said.

“That conversation really shifted things for me.”

Mike deferred his original plans and enrolled in a Certificate IV in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care (HLT40113), beginning his studies in Cairns before securing a brief traineeship closer to home in Cherbourg and shifting his studies to TAFE Queensland’s Toowoomba campus.

From that point on, everything gathered momentum.

Like Josiah, Mike credits TAFE Queensland with creating a learning environment where he felt supported, motivated and understood.

“The biggest highlight was the friendships,” he said.

“You’re surrounded by people on the same journey, with the same goals. It doesn’t feel like studying — it feels like belonging.”

Returning to Toowoomba, Mike continued his studies under the guidance of experienced TAFE Queensland health educators, completing his Certificate IV followed by a Certificate lll and Diploma in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care (HLT50113 and HLT30113).

Mike then went onto to complete his Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice (HLT40221) to become a registered Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioner.

“The program was flexible, self‑driven and empowering,” he explained.

“It made me feel invested not just in study, but in the health profession itself.”

Within a short timeframe, Mike had completed his Certificate III, Certificate IV and Diploma of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Management (HLT50221), building a strong foundation that opened doors across Queensland’s Health system.

Mike’s career pathway has taken him across community‑controlled health services, hospitals and regional centres.

He has worked in chronic disease case management, primary health clinics, and supported community health initiatives across Southeast Queensland, and helped deliver men’s groups alongside Josiah — continuing a partnership that began in the classroom.

“Those years were invaluable,” Mike says.

“We were connecting clinical work with community outcomes and seeing real change.”

Today, Mike works with Gold Coast Health in child and youth mental health, where he brings together frontline experience, cultural knowledge and advocacy.

Like Josiah, he has also pursued further study, completing a postgraduate degree in Indigenous Health Promotion through the University of Sydney, strengthening his desire to contribute not only at a community level, but at a system level.

Mike is now focused on the bigger picture.

“I want to help build a strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce particularly through policy initiatives,” he said.

“That’s through leadership, workforce development and policy, not just one role, but across the system.”

For members of the community who are thinking about engaging in health care, Mike believes connection is the key to achieving positive health outcomes.

“My top tip is to find your people,” he said.

“That might be a social group, a community gathering, or someone who’s on the same journey as you.”

Mike explains that shared experiences make taking charge of health feel less overwhelming and more achievable.

“It stops health from feeling like a chore,” he advised.

“When you’re connected with like‑minded people, it feels supportive instead of hard.”

For those starting out on their own, Mike encourages engaging with community‑based and community‑controlled health services as much as possible.

“You’ll always find someone along the way — whether it’s in a group setting or one‑on‑one — a health professional you really gel with, who motivates you,” he says.

Above all, he reminds people not to hold back.

“Ask questions, double‑check things, and don’t feel shame about it,” Mike encouraged.

“That’s how you take control of your health.”

And Mike’s message to other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people considering study is clear.

“We have an opportunity now to be part of the system and make real change,” he said.

“Health is a rewarding career, not just professionally, but personally and culturally.”