Sue Gibuma grew up in the Torres Strait and always had an interest in health care and the ambition to make a difference in her community. Sue is one of the first graduates of the Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care (Practice) through TAFE Queensland North, fully-subsidised by Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) and Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service.

As a further boost and to further assist successful applicants, NQPHN provided laptops to those students fulfilling criteria relating to remote residence and lack of computer/IT access.

This qualification will enable Sue to be employed in a variety of settings, such as in General Practice and Aboriginal Medical Services, and she is also now eligible for national registration with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practice Board of Australia.

“I was first interested in the course to be able to receive my Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) registration,” Sue said.

Since completing the course, Sue has started in a role in remote primary health care as an Indigenous Women’s Health Worker, which enables her to work across all program areas such as women’s health, chronic care, acute care, emergency care, and anything the community presents with in a remote primary health care setting.

“Sometimes it can be a bit discouraging as you need to be very strong to deal with all the challenges you face working in community health, but while completing this course I have felt very supported,” Sue said.

Sue is currently thoroughly enjoying working and continuing her learning at the Horn Island Primary Health Care Centre.