Subiaco hospital creates opportunities for Aboriginal youth

St John of God Subiaco Hospital is proudly supporting the Wirrpanda Foundation’s Bidi Waalitj Employment Program to help create opportunities for Aboriginal youth.

18 Apr 2019

18 April 2019

The program is an initiative between the Wirrpanda Foundation, West Coast Eagles and The Department of Jobs and Small Business. It helps Aboriginal participants aged 15 to 24 to find suitable, sustainable employment.

The origin of the program’s name comes from the Noongar nation, in particular the Wadjuk language group, where Bidi translates to ‘path’ and Waalitj to ‘Eagle’.

As part of St John of God Subiaco Hospital’s relationship with the Wirrpanda Foundation, graduate nurse and Yamatji woman Teneille Bramley has been welcomed into the hospital’s Graduate Nursing Program.

Teneille said she feels very fortunate to be part of the Graduate Nursing Program and has received an incredible amount of support from her colleagues.

“I am absolutely loving the program and think it is an amazing opportunity for young Aboriginal people like me to get a foot in the door and start what will be a life-long and very rewarding career.”

“I cannot thank St John of God Subiaco Hospital and the Wirrpanda Foundation enough for this this experience.”

St John of God Subiaco Hospital CEO Professor Shirley Bowen said “It has been very special having Teneille participate in our Graduate Program and seeing her gain confidence and skills in a clinical environment.”

“We look forward to continuing our relationship with the Wirrpanda Foundation and supporting the professional development of other Aboriginal students and caregivers going forward.”

In recognition of St John of God Subiaco Hospital’s support, the Wirrpanda Foundation generously donated a West Coast Eagles Indigenous Guernsey signed by Aboriginal members of the 2018 team including Lewis Jetta, Malcolm Karpany, Willie Rioli, Francis Watson, Brendon Ah Chee and Liam Ryan.

The Wirrpanda Foundation was established in 2005 by former West Coast Eagles and premiership player David Wirrpanda to improve the quality of life for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians through education and employment.