Souths Cares is celebrating the achievements of Barranggirra participant, Kimberley Brown who has won the award for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year at the Greater Western Sydney Training Awards, hosted by Training Services NSW.
Kimberley commenced a Health Administration Traineeship in July 2021 at Campbelltown Hospital after having a few years out of the workforce whilst raising her children. She was eager to commence a career where she would have opportunities to help people within her local community.
Throughout her Traineeship, Kimberley had to overcome a few hurdles, with the COVID pandemic impacting her classroom learning and creating significant challenges for working in the healthcare sector.
Kimberley thrived in her Traineeship and quickly developed exceptional communication skills and her confidence in dealing with multiple stakeholders to achieve the best outcomes for patients. Kimberley embraced any opportunity to go 'above and beyond' in her role, including managing an Out Patient's Lounge within Campbelltown Hospital to provide a culturally appropriate space for local elders to access during their hospital visits.
Kimberley completed her Certificate 3 in Health Administration in July 2022 and was immediately offered a fulltime role with Campbelltown Hospital in the Administration team where she has continued to develop her career.
Kimberley was nominated by Souths Cares Barranggirra Program for a NSW Training Award earlier this year. She was surprised and excited to win in the category of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year at the awards ceremony hosted at Novella on the Park on the 30th of June.
Kimberley BrownI would like to thank Souths Cares for taking the time to nominate me. It was a huge surprise when I was called as the winner and it’s an honour to receive this award. I’m grateful for the support I received from Souths Cares throughout my Traineeship and the great relationship I built with my mentor Lowana
Lowana Longbottom, Barranggirra Program Manager stated Kimberley's success has come through her own hard work and dedication throughout her Traineeship.
“It has been a pleasure watching Kimberley's confidence and skills develop throughout her Traineeship. She has worked so hard and thoroughly deserves this award for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year”, Lowana said.
As the winner for the Greater Western Sydney region, Kimberley will now interview for the State award in the category of NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year.
The Barranggirra Program is proudly supported by Training Services NSW.
