In the spirit of NAIDOC Week, we’re shining the spotlight on First Nations employees from across Monash Health to celebrate their integral contribution to our health service.
Emma Downward is a proud Palawa woman and an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Recruitment Cadet at Monash Health.
“I joined October last year,” says Emma. “I’m currently a university student at Monash Uni, studying a degree in business and marketing, and I was looking at internships and cadetships and this is one sparked my interest. I thought it was a good opportunity because it brings back my background of being Aboriginal and being able to be part of a community.”
“I’m here to create an environment so that when an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person applies for a role at Monash Health, they feel safe and supported during that application process.”
“It’s been an opportunity to learn so much new knowledge from Monash Health,” says Emma. “We are a huge organization and being able to make even a small impact is a nice feeling and really fulfilling.”
Emma enjoys the opportunity to work alongside First Nations colleagues and patients. “Even though I identify as Aboriginal myself, over the past year I’ve been able to gain a deeper knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.”
As a Palawa woman, Emma knows how important it is to see representation in the workplace.
“We have so many cultures here in Melbourne, I feel like Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are somewhat beneath the surface sometimes. We’re not always noticed.”
“I think the most important part of Aboriginal and Torres Islander patients seeing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees is that instant connection,” says Emma. “I think having those employees in Monash Health provides that instant connection, that instant understanding of each other’s cultures. And I think that makes the patient feel a lot more at ease.”
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people play an integral role at Monash Health. This profile is part of a series during NAIDOC Week to showcase and celebrate some of our First Nations colleagues.