This year’s theme was “More Men for Our Mob” and Nicole Jorgensen, Aboriginal Mental Health District Coordinator, says it shows the need for more male Aboriginal Health Workers.
"Many Aboriginal men may experience social isolation or disconnect from traditional support systems,” Nicole says.
“Male Aboriginal Health Workers can help bridge this gap, connecting individuals with community resources and support networks.
“Having more male Aboriginal Health Workers allows for the development of culturally appropriate mental health services that resonate with the community’s values and beliefs, enhancing the overall effectiveness of interventions."
Nicole says male workers can better engage with male clients in community settings, leading to increased participation in mental health programs and initiatives targeted at men’s health.
“Overall, increasing the number of male Aboriginal Health Workers in mental health is vital for improving mental health outcomes, fostering community resilience, and promoting a holistic approach to health that respects cultural identity and values.”
Meet Jake Gee, Aboriginal Mental Health trainee
Who is your mob? (Where is your traditional country?)
I’m proud to say my mob is the Kamilaroi people. We come from around the Moree area, and my family names are Budda-deen, Beale, and Griffiths.
Where is that country? (Where is that in Australia?)
Kamilaroi country stretches across northern NSW and even crosses into southern Queensland. It’s the second-largest Aboriginal country in NSW.
Where do you work and in what role?
I’m currently based on Gundungurra country, working as an Aboriginal Mental Health Trainee at the Goulburn Community Health Centre. It’s been an incredible journey so far.
What made you want to be an Aboriginal Health Worker?
Supporting mental health has always been close to my heart. Growing up, I watched my Mum always putting others first, and I knew deep down that helping people was something I was meant to do. After spending seven years working in pathology behind the scenes, I realised it was time for a change. I wanted to connect with people more directly and make a real difference.
At the beginning of last year, my Mum began her journey as an Aboriginal Health Worker, and it was clear she found her calling.
She was very passionate about the work she was doing, making connections and advocating for the Aboriginal community. During this time, she made a huge impact and would always have stories to tell of the people she got to help. She was so proud to be helping our people. Tragically, she passed away from a heart attack on the 10th of November, just after getting to work. Her loss left a huge void, but her legacy continues to inspire me every day.
When the opportunity to apply for an Aboriginal Mental Health Traineeship came up in February, I just knew I had to go for it.
This traineeship is more than just a job to me; it’s a way to build a stronger connection with my Aboriginal heritage, make a positive impact on the wellbeing of our communities and most importantly, continue the journey that my Mum started. It means the world to me to be able to carry on her legacy in this way.
How do you look after your own mental health?
During the challenging times that are being experienced by so many of our people, finding ways to look after our mental health is vital.
For me, it’s all about staying connected whether that be with land, culture, family, or community. I make sure to yarn with my friends and family about what’s going on, letting them know I’m okay — or that I’m not, if that’s the case.
I think it’s important to show that it’s okay to talk, and that I’m always here if they need to talk too.
Connecting with my Aboriginal culture has also become a significant part of my mental health journey. Learning more about my heritage, spending time on country, and deepening my understanding of our traditions has been incredibly grounding.
There’s something powerful about connecting to the land and to the wisdom of our ancestors that really helps to centre me. I find a lot of peace in nature.
There’s this one spot I’ve been meaning to get back to — it’s a place where I can really connect with the land and clear my mind.
Cheerleading has also played a huge role in my life. It’s not just about staying active; it’s about the incredible connections I’ve made along the way.
The friendships I’ve formed through cheerleading have become like a second family to me. This past May, I even had the opportunity to travel to Hawaii to compete, which was an unforgettable experience.
The support I’ve found with my cheer family at Sirens Cheerleading have been a lifeline, especially during tough times. Without them, I’m not sure how I would’ve made it through the past year.
It goes to show how important connections to land, culture, family, and community are — they’re a vital part of maintaining mental health and wellbeing.
Meet Quinton Connelly, Aboriginal Mental Health trainee
Who is your mob? (Where is your traditional country?)
I am a proud Wiradjuri man, the Aboriginal side of my family are the Williams mob a big group of people now spread all over NSW, parts of Victoria and the ACT.
My Great Grandmother Gladys was born on the Warangesda Aboriginal Mission in Darlington Point in the 1910s before moving to the Sandhills in Narrandera with my Great Grandfather Alfred Williams in the 1920s.
Where is that country? (Where is that in Australia?)
The Wiradjuri are the largest group in NSW, extending from Coonabarabran in the north, coming down the Great Dividing Range to the Murray River and out to Western NSW, encompassing central towns such as Dubbo, Orange, Bathurst, Wagga Wagga, Albury, Griffith and Narrandera.
Wiradjuri means ‘people of the three rivers’ these rivers are the Lachlan, Murrumbidgee, and Macquarie. They were the main food source for the Wiradjuri people.
Where do you work and in what role?
I work at the Queanbeyan Hospital and am part of the community mental health team. My role there is the Aboriginal Mental Health Trainee. This includes a three-year traineeship where I study a Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health) in the Djirruwang program through Charles Sturt University.
Upon the completion of this I can become a qualified Aboriginal Mental Health Clinician.
What made you want to be an Aboriginal Health Worker?
Growing up I’ve always had an interest in culture and my Aboriginal heritage.
My Mum and family members would always tell stories of my uncles and aunties and the cultural activities they did - from basket weaving, emu egg carving and paintings.
I participated in various Aboriginal activities in primary and high school, from giving the first Acknowledgement of Country at my primary school assembly to painting Aboriginal art murals on the walls at school, and obtaining a Cert II in Business through an Aboriginal education program in high school.
I’ve also seen my fair share of physical and mental struggles, that Aboriginal people face, in my family.
So, when I did social and community class in college this really geared me towards wanting to eventually work in this field to help people.
Luckily for me my partner came across the job listing for the Aboriginal Mental Health Trainee position one night and I jumped at the opportunity to apply for it and am now working in the field and able to make a difference for mob.
How do you look after your own mental health?
To look after my own mental health, I like to do things that I really enjoy and find relaxing.
Work can be a very stressful environment so it’s important to try and find time outside of work and study for myself. I love spending time with family and partner.
I like to paint and listen to music this really gives me an opportunity to focus on a fun activity and go at my own pace. I also really enjoy cooking always trying to find new recipes and dishes to cook.
And lastly, I love going out in nature into bush going for hikes and sitting by the river, one of my favourite places to visit when I get the opportunity is Koori Beach in Narrandera where you can sit on the warm sand and watch the river flow by, and if you’re lucky you might even spot a koala in the trees.