Dionne Pemhenai-Chakaduka moved from Zimbabwe to Queensland for better work opportunities – but didn't expect to become part of the close-knit community at Mater Private Hospital Mackay.

The 36-year-old was born and raised in Zimbabwe and worked in a clothing shop and in fast food restaurants in her youth, but always knew she wanted to help people.

So, after moving to Australia in 2009 when her husband’s work took the couple to Townsville, she started her nursing journey.

Dionne completed her Assistant in Nursing training and worked in aged care for six years before studying a Bachelor of Nursing Science.

Her family then moved to Mackay and she started working at Mater as a Registered Nurse in February 2018.

"I just couldn't believe it, I am proud of myself for being able to complete my degree and with flying colours," she said.

“I’m also proud that I managed to complete the degree while juggling between work, university, a young daughter and a husband who worked away from home.

"I've been at the Mater in Mackay for four-and-a-half years and Mater is like a family to me. We all look out for each other and someone checks up on you every shift.

"I work in the surgical wards and no day is the same. I love it."

Dionne said nursing was all about good relationships.

"Making my patients comfortable is my favourite part of the job and seeing a smile on their face after providing a service," she said.

"I love building rapport with the patients and listening to the different stories that come up every day."

Dionne, a mother-of-two, said she couldn't have asked for a better transition into Mackay, not only from Mater staff but also from the local community.

"Queensland is awesome and the Zimbabwe community is quite large here in Mackay. There's quite a few of us at Mater, too," she said.

"I like that it's laid -ack and you can get anywhere in 20 minutes!

"People have been very welcoming – it's been our home ever since."