Supporting the next generation of First Nations health workers

Working across Redlands Hospital and in partnership with the local Yulu‑Burri‑Ba Aboriginal Corporation for Community Health, Tahnee and her team deliver care through community clinics on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), Wynnum and Capalaba, creating opportunities for local trainees to learn on Country while making a real impact.

Tahnee’s passion for community health is backed by strong training, having completed her Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care (HLT33212) and Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health (Community Care) (HLT44007) in 2014 with TAFE Queensland.

Tahnee’s journey highlights the impact of strong training pathways — an opportunity now being experienced by health care trainees like Locklyn  O’Loughlin.

Through his school-based traineeship, Locklyn was immersed in hands-on learning, building essential clinical skills such as taking blood pressure, conducting blood glucose testing and performing spirometry, while gaining confidence in a busy healthcare environment.

As his skills grew, so did his responsibilities, allowing him to take on more meaningful tasks within the clinical setting.

Tahnee, who mentored Locklyn throughout his Certificate III in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care (HLT30121) traineeship with Metro South Health and TAFE Queensland, said alongside his technical skills, his growth in professionalism and cultural awareness has been key.

“Working in your own community comes with a responsibility,” she said.

“Locklyn has learnt the importance of professionalism, as well as understanding boundaries and how to support his mob in a culturally safe way.”

She said Locklyn’s attitude and willingness to learn made him stand out from the beginning.

“He showed a lot of initiative — he turned up ready to learn, took on every challenge, and was always asking ‘how can I do this?’,” she said.

“That mindset helped him build both confidence and capability.”

With the support of Tahnee and the broader chronic disease team, Locklyn successfully balanced his work, study and school commitments, completing his qualification while meeting the required clinical hours and competencies.

“It really is a team effort,” Tahnee said.

“Everyone played a role in supporting Locklyn through his traineeship, making sure he could succeed both in the workplace and with his TAFE studies.”

Now working within the Chronic Disease Team at Redlands Hospital, Locklyn is continuing to build on his skills while progressing through further study, a pathway Tahnee believes will have lasting benefits for the community.

“If we didn’t give Locklyn that opportunity, he may not have entered the health sector,” she said.

“Having a young Aboriginal man working within his own community is something our health system needs and will benefit from for years to come.”

Tahnee encourages other employers to consider taking on trainees, highlighting the powerful impact these opportunities can have.

“It can feel daunting but giving a young person a chance can change their life,” she said.

“You’re not just supporting an individual — you’re helping build a stronger, more connected future workforce.”

Hear more about traineeship training from Metro South Health Senior Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Locklyn's supervisor, Tahnee Weeks.