I was born in Dubbo and have spent most of my life in the small country town of Gilgandra, about 70km from Dubbo. I've also lived briefly in the Northern Territory.

My cousin has been a big influence on my career - she attended university and is now a criminal lawyer in Sydney.

Where did you attend school and what were your favourite subjects?

I attended primary school and years 7 to 10 in Gilgandra, then years 11 and 12 at Dubbo College Senior Campus.

My favourite subject was sports, life and recreation because it was very hands-on and I really enjoyed sport. I also thought that one day I might have a career in coaching, or something similar.

I also liked community and family studies as it was very much about your local community, and lots of interesting aspects about social and family life.

What happened after school - did you apply for jobs or courses?

I started a course in social work but realised it wasn't for me. I then applied for a hospitality position in the Northern Territory. I only worked there for four months as I was missing home, so I moved back to Gilgandra and thought about what I would do next.

How did you come to get involved with the Aboriginal Employment Strategy and where did you do your traineeship?

My friend Katie recommended I apply for a traineeship with Aboriginal Employment Strategy (AES).

I went and saw them in their Dubbo office, signed up and they helped me build my resume and looked for jobs for me.

Through AES both Katie and I had an interview for a traineeship with GP Synergy in Dubbo, they provide training in NSW and ACT for doctors who want to specialise as GPs.

Katie was offered and accepted the traineeship. AES continued to look for jobs I could apply for and then about a month later they contacted me as GP Synergy wanted to offer me a traineeship in their Dubbo office.

The traineeship was providing administrative support to the GP Synergy education coordination team who are located around NSW and ACT. It was a great opportunity and I was really keen to accept and start work.

How difficult was it to leave where you were and move to Newcastle to do the traineeship?

I completed the traineeship placement in Dubbo and then applied for a full-time position in GP Synergy's Newcastle office, where I completed the rest of my study.

I have family and friends in Newcastle, so I was excited to move there, however I still get homesick for the Central West from time-to-time.

Both GP Synergy and AES were supportive during my move, and made sure it went smoothly.

What are some of the most valuable lessons you learned during your traineeship?

I've learned some important things during my traineeship, particularly the value of teamwork. Being part of a team also means contributing and being independent enough to complete tasks that are my responsibility.

You won the Aboriginal Employment Strategy chairperson's award when you graduated. Why do you think you won?

I was excited to win the AES Chairperson's Award. I tried to go above and beyond during my traineeship in completing my work and studying. I pushed myself to learn from my study as well as from everyone around me. I also transitioned into full-time employment before I completed my traineeship and that included being independent in moving to Newcastle for the job.

The traineeship gave me a big boost in my abilities as well as my confidence.

Have you found employment now in Newcastle, if not what are your plans?

My full-time role is as a program support officer with GP Synergy's Newcastle office. My role includes providing administrative support to the medical education team, reception duties and general office management and coordination.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I intend to look at undertaking further studies as my ambition is to move into a management role in the future, I'm really keen to take that next step.

What goals have you set yourself now you have your traineeship under your belt?

I've been in my new role for four months and my goals include ensuring I do the best job I can and learn as much as I can and then being able to take on the next challenge when I'm ready.

If money wasn't an issue and you could run a company, what would it be?

I love my current job, but if I could do anything it would be working in social media, working with social influencers and coordinating brand promotion.

The best business advice anyone has given you?

I got lots of good advice during my traineeship, the advice from one of my Dubbo colleagues that has really stayed with me is that the world is my oyster and I can do anything if I put my mind to it. So that's what I intend to do!