IWC, a leading local healthcare provider, was thrilled to take part in this year’s Dorrie Day, an event that highlighted the energy and potential of the community’s youth.
IWC HR Manager Alison Norton said it was truly inspiring to see so many school children eager to explore their future opportunities.
“Their enthusiasm reinforces why our work at IWC is so important,” she said.
Driven from a profound need to fill a gap in services for First Nations Peoples in the Bundaberg and North Burnett regions, IWC has evolved from a small team into a thriving not-for-profit health and wellbeing organisation for everyone.
Now with 200 employees across 29 services, IWC supports both Indigenous and Non-Indigenous communities with unity and reconciliation at the heart.
“This organisational growth also highlights our nurturing long-lasting careers within IWC,” Alison said.
“We build meaningful, enduring careers at IWC.
“We’re all working together to make a difference.
“Our diverse backgrounds and inclusive approach mean there’s no single path to joining our team.
“We have welcomed six First Start Traineeships, seven Health Worker Traineeships and welcomed 50 new employees from 2023 to date, offering opportunities for those starting their careers.”
Now a proud cadet of the Indigenous Paramedic Program with the Queensland Ambulance Service, Grace Eggmolesse reflected on her time with IWC.
“I had found numeracy and literacy challenging but IWC’s Indigenous Health Worker traineeship gave me the confidence and support to overcome my barriers and put me on a strong path to achieving more than I had known when I was at school,” Grace said.
“I’m grateful for the opportunities and encouragement IWC has provided.”
Motivated to help others, Grace added when she talks to students, she emphasises that challenges don’t have to stop them from reaching their goals.
“I encourage them to find a way to overcome obstacles – because you can,” she said.
“I am proof of that.”
Kyle Robinson, working towards his Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care, shared his experience.
“I was a high school dropout and wasn’t the greatest at school, so I just thought I’m really going to struggle really hard, little did I know healthcare was my forte,” he said.
“The opportunity to study through IWC has truly changed my life.
“I would encourage anyone who thinks they aren’t capable or would fail, to give it a go.
“Being a healthcare worker is the best job and the dream that I’ve always wanted to do.
“I wanted to help people, but I just didn’t know how to do it until I got here.”
IWC is dedicated to holistic healthcare and believes in nurturing both its team and the community.
“Our growth is reflected not just in numbers but in the impact we make,” Alison said.
“We stay committed to fostering growth, reconciliation and community strength.
“We look forward to continuing to make a positive difference together in the community.”
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