A proud Githabul woman who has worked with the Aboriginal community in Western Sydney for more than two decades has turned to TAFE NSW to become a certified health care practitioner to make sure Indigenous people feel comfortable and confident in seeking regular health assessments and improving health outcomes.

Louise Moore (pictured left) is fulfilling a growing need for more Aboriginal health workers, with Aboriginal people representing only 2.5 percent of the NSW Health workforce1 At least 46 percent of Aboriginal people reported at least one chronic condition that posed a significant health problem in the last two years, highlighting the importance of Aboriginal Health Practitioners like Louise in the community.

The 56-year-old completed a Certificate IV in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice at TAFE NSW Kingswood and is now employed at Kildare Road Medical Centre in Mount Druitt.

Louise said “I’ve always wanted to be a nurse and TAFE NSW has equipped me with the skills to make that dream a reality.

“We must continue to empower and educate our people to work in the health industry because through my experience, Aboriginal people feel more comfortable talking to an Aboriginal health worker especially  due to experiences such as intergenerational trauma and unfamiliarity with the medical environment.”

“It’s my ambition in life to help my mob feel comfortable and confident with seeking health services,” Louise said.

TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Nursing, Jennifer Norton, said students like Louise have a significant impact on the way Indigenous Australians access healthcare. 

“Louise has made a significant contribution to the Aboriginal community in her 20 years in the industry, and has leveraged the practical skills and experience she has gained at TAFE NSW to help her undertake basic health assessments and identify community health issues, needs, and strategies for the Western Sydney community,” Ms Norton said.

“She is an exceptional example of the impact TAFE NSW students can have in their workplace and in helping to transform a community.”

To find out more about studying Primary Health Care Practice at TAFE NSW, visit  www.tafensw.edu.au/courses/nursing, or call 131 601. 

Media contact: Jessica Cortis, TAFE NSW Media and communications Business Partner, 0456 170 211.