The powerful theme, ‘For our Elders’, this NAIDOC Week (2 – 9 July) explores the important role across every generation that Elders have played and continue to play. We draw strength from their knowledge and experience, in everything from land management and cultural knowledge to justice and human rights.

Having lost an Elder a year ago, Diploma of Nursing graduate, Mater Private Hospital Townsville Enrolled Nurse, and Kalkadoon, Tjapukai and Bwgcolman woman Josephine ‘Jo’ Bong is celebrating her and other Elders this week.

Josephine said my grandmother was a role model for me and paved the way.

“She helped raise my siblings, cousins and me and taught us about connection to family, mob and respecting others, especially our Elders.

“She taught us to be proud of who we are as Aboriginal women.”

As a scrub/scout nurse in the Perioperative unit at Mater Private Hospital Townsville, Jo supports the surgeons by setting up the theatre, maintaining a sterile field and undertaking the documentation process.

“My favourite part of the job is interacting with the patients. I think it’s a great ice breaker for them before their surgical procedure.”

Jo joined Mater Private Hospital Townsville two years ago after completing her Diploma of Nursing through Mater Education in Townsville.

“It was when I was on my placement at MPHT and experienced the support of the experienced and knowledgeable nurses that I knew Mater was where I wanted to start my profession.

“The Mater Values also resonated with me as they align with my personal values. It’s important to have compassion for others. At the end of the day, I can go home knowing I made a difference.”

Mater Education’s hospital-based Diploma of Nursing training equipped Jo with the skills and confidence to step straight onto the ward.

“My proudest achievement at Mater so far has been upskilling for a complex case in which I scrubbed for my first robotic procedure and open prostatectomy procedure. It really improved my confidence in my abilities.”

Want to make a difference in the lives of others? Apply for the Diploma of Nursing* today and start studying in October in Brisbane or at our brand new facility in Springfield: mater.li/ApplyForDoN

*Subject to ANMAC approval