As someone whose health career has been shaped by Elders and who is helping shape the career of upcoming health workers, Aboriginal Workforce Coordinator Barrie Jenkins embodies the 2025 NAIDOC Week theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy.
Barrie, a proud Minjungbul–South Sea Islander woman, was born in saltwater country in Ocean Shores, along the shores of the Brunswick River.
After finishing her HSC at Mullumbimby High in 2000, she enrolled in a nursing degree at UNE in Armidale. Yet for Barrie, the timing wasn’t right.
“I was away from home, straight out of school,” she said. Barrie returned home, unsure of her next steps.
In 2002, she applied for an Enrolled Nurse traineeship at Lismore Base Hospital.
That marked the beginning of her varied career with the Northern NSW Local Health District.
Barrie’s work journey reflects the strength of intergenerational influence.
“My aunties worked in health, some in aged care, some with the Local Health District," she said.
“Aunty Denise Paulson and Sue Follent as well as other strong matriarchs inspired and encouraged me.
“I looked up to them and thought, that’s what I want to do.”
Her path shows how cultural connection and guidance from Elders shape careers and communities.
After completing an EN traineeship, Barrie worked in Aboriginal Environmental Health – a job that saw her travelling to such communities as Baryulgil, Malabugilmah, Jubullum and Muli Muli, testing water quality and advocating for safe infrastructure.
“We worked with councils, advocating for community and to make sure the water was up to scratch,” she said.
After having children, Barrie spent 11 years in community transport working alongside surrounding Aboriginal communities before returning to health, working in community mental health for five years.
“It’s a hard job, but necessary. We need more Aboriginal people in these spaces to support our mob.”
Barrie’s approach centres on connection
“I sit with people as mob first. I ask, who’s your mob, where are you from, before anything clinical. That connection matters,” she said.
She feels traditional ways of “being” are reflected in practices like mindfulness and dialectical behaviour therapy.
“Our people have done this for thousands of years. Now there’s a name for it. That validates everything I know as an Aboriginal person.”
The next generation of Aboriginal health workers
In March 2025, Barrie began her role as Aboriginal Workforce Coordinator, where she now focuses on growing the Aboriginal health workforce.
She works closely with school-based trainees through partnerships with Indigenous Allied Health Australia and the Elsa Dixon scholarship program.
Working with mentors, she’s helping young people gain hands-on experience in health settings while still at school.
In 2025, 10 Allied Health and three AIN trainees are gaining experience across the sector.
“This is our next workforce," Barrie said. "If we’re serious about closing the gap, we need to upskill our mob and break down barriers.”
Barrie continues to advocate for broader placement opportunities, including mental health, administration and pharmacy.
“Health isn’t just clinical. There’s space for everyone," she said. “It’s about self-determination and doing things differently, because the previous ways haven’t worked.”
Trainees complete one day a week at TAFE and one day in placement over two years, rotating through different areas.
“We’re always looking for new placements," Barrie said. “Mental health is an area we have not yet explored.
“We would need to look at how we keep patients safe as well as the trainees, while giving trainees real experience and exposure.
“That’s how we grow a strong, culturally safe workforce.”
Building a future in health, grounded in culture
Amarli King, a proud Widjabul/Wiabal, Minjungbal woman with South Sea Islander heritage, is in her final year of a school-based traineeship with NNSWLHD in partnership with the Indigenous Allied Health Academy (IAHA).
Last year, she began the program as a Year 11 student. Now, she’s preparing to graduate with a Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance.
Amarli said she has always had a strong interest in health, thanks to her Aunties and mum Barrie Jenkins. During her early high school years, she considered pathways in nursing and social work.
“I’ve always had a strong interest in working in health and the opportunities offered through this traineeship really appealed to me,” Amarli said.
“It provides experience of what it’s like working in health, helps me build skills to support mob and patients in community and offers learning that deepens my understanding of the health industry.”
Amarli especially enjoys working alongside Aboriginal Health teams to deliver programs in community.
“I loved going out with the workers, meeting people of all ages, from young children to Elders and getting the chance to work with our mob," she said.
“It’s shown me how rewarding and meaningful this kind of work can be.”
One of her favourite experiences involved supporting movement programs for Elders, delivered in partnership with occupational therapists.
Amarli’s mum is Barrie Jenkins, our Aboriginal Workforce Coordinator. Barrie said Amarli comes home talking about the program all the time.
“That connection to community is powerful,” Barrie said. “It gives people a familiar face, even if Amarli is still a trainee.”
The traineeship has helped Amarli thrive.
“She’s a strong communicator, proactive and really shines in the workplace,” Barrie added.
“This program has given her a pathway that suits her strengths and helps her build confidence.”
After graduation, Amarli plans to continue studying.
She hopes to enrol in a dual diploma of nursing and paramedicine, using her traineeship qualification as a pathway into university without needing a high ATAR.
“It’s opened doors for her,” Barrie said. “She can go straight into the workforce or continue her studies. “Either way, she’s got a strong foundation.”
The Indigenous Allied Health Academy, based in Lismore, supports Aboriginal students in Years 11 and 12 to complete school-based traineeships across multiple health placements.
Students spend one day a week at TAFE and one day in placement, gaining real-world experience while still at school.
“This program is a great alternative for students who don’t fit the traditional school model,” Barrie said.
“It’s about giving them a head start, building skills and connecting them to community.
“And for Amarli, it’s just the beginning!”
Pictured:
Barrie and Amarli