Warialda’s Jasmin Briggs is on a mission to improve healthcare access for Aboriginal people in rural NSW.
The 17-year-old Gamilaroi woman is showing how TAFE NSW is transforming rural and Aboriginal healthcare by addressing skill needs and training future professionals.
Over seven million rural Australians face limited healthcare access, with Aboriginal people experiencing a 6.8-year life expectancy gap, and health professionals and services that honour Aboriginal cultural identity are crucial for improving treatment participation.
Briggs, completing her Certificate III in Health Services Assistance, is on track to becoming a health professional ready to address skill shortages and enhance healthcare in her community.
Motivated by personal loss and witnessing local healthcare disparities, Briggs decided to pursue a career in advancing healthcare equity in Aboriginal communities.
“Growing up, my community had only one medical clinic, with the nearest alternative an hour’s drive away,” said Briggs.
“TAFE NSW has ignited my healthcare journey, and inspired me to strive towards becoming a doctor, ensuring Aboriginal people in my community receive the healthcare they deserve.”
Briggs has already achieved significant recognition, including being a Finalist in the 2024 New England Training Awards for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year and a winner of the Zonta 2024 Achievement Award for Young Indigenous Women (AAYIW).
Alongside her high achievements and career drive, TAFE NSW has helped Briggs start her career in health and work towards her dream by equipping her with real-world experience and practical skills.
Thanks to her education at TAFE NSW, Briggs qualifies for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship at the University of New England and will join their Country Doctor Program to realise her dream of working in her community.
Martin Bower, Briggs’ teacher and Career Advisor at Warialda High School says it was clear early on that Ms. Briggs’ career would be in healthcare, serving her community.
“I’m proud to see her dedication to her patients and her ambition to advance in medicine.”
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