Celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers
The National Day of Recognition for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners falls annually on 7 August. This day serves as a powerful tribute to a workforce that is renowned as a vital and reliable resource critical to improved health and wellbeing outcomes.
The deep roots of this profession are highlighted by the careers of dedicated individuals at Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District (NBMLHD) like Clarke Scott and Donna Jory, whose decades of service have shaped a genuine connection with Aboriginal people.
Clarke Scott, now the Aboriginal Health Programs Manager for Drug & Alcohol Services, holds a unique place in the history of the District. He was proudly the first person employed in an Aboriginal identified position, starting as an Aboriginal Liaison Officer 30 years ago.
Reflecting on his work, Clarke speaks to the importance of connecting with the community and guiding them through the health system.
"On home visits, I would go along and help the community feel relaxed. Just having another Aboriginal person there really helps."
Clarke
His career, which included running Aboriginal Boys Cultural Mentoring Camps and serving on the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District Board, has been defined by a deep commitment to his people.
“The stories behind the issues are devastating, helping to address those issues is the challenge for me. But I know it’s part of the job where I can make a difference,” says Clarke.
He says having dedicated leadership in the Aboriginal Health team has made a significant difference to embedding change.
“Things have changed in health over many years and now that we have a larger Aboriginal workforce, they will and can assist the community to guide them through the system too,” says Clarke.
“We have a Director for Aboriginal Health. That’s huge. Having someone at a higher level to support staff and make decisions is so important,” says Clarke.
Similarly, Donna’s journey also marks a significant first. While not the first female Aboriginal Health Worker, she was the District's first dedicated Women and Children Aboriginal Health Worker focused on pregnant women and birthing. Now an Aboriginal Health Worker at Lemongrove Community Health Centre, her philosophy centres on creating a culturally safe environment.
"I’ve been given this role because of our Elders. They had to fight and struggle throughout their life. Building better relationships between Aboriginal communities and mainstream health services that improve access for my people, that’s why I am here,” says Donna.
Donna notes the importance of building trust, whether through home visits with clinicians or simply "sitting and having a cuppa and a yarn with the community members."
“It’s about bringing understanding, respect, and culturally safe care to the forefront of everything we do.”
Donna
Rachel Scobie, Director of Aboriginal Health at NBMLHD, has worked closely with Clarke and Donna and has seen firsthand the significant impact they have made on health care and the community.
"Clarke and Donna’s leadership, cultural knowledge, and unwavering commitment have shaped how our services engage with community," says Rachel.
"They’ve helped build cultural confidence across the District, and shown all of us how to lead with strength, kindness, and integrity—even when facing challenges or cultural misunderstandings."
Rachel highlighted the growth of the workforce, noting the District welcomed its first Aboriginal Health Practitioner in 2019 and its first Senior Palliative and Supportive Care Aboriginal Health Worker in 2023.
“These new roles continue to build on the foundations laid by pioneers like Clarke and Donna,” says Rachel.