# @qldhealth on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DajFCStkwJh
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/67702256-qldhealth-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/09c44603a7.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-07-08T22:08:22.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Queensland Health (@qldhealth) — https://gondola.cc/qldhealth

## Caption

50 years of Deadly. And the next 50? They’re in good hands. ❤️

This NAIDOC Week we’re celebrating First Nations health heroes who are walking alongside their communities.

Chelsea started the midwifery graduate program at Rockhampton Hospital this year.

‘I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and developing partnerships with women and their families through their journey into parenthood, in particular working with Indigenous women through my rotation with Gumma Gundoo,’ she said.

The Gumma Gundoo service provides culturally appropriate care and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families during pregnancy and in the early weeks after you’ve had your baby.

‘It’s sacred, it’s profound and it’s transformative because it breaks down barriers and women feel culturally and emotionally valued when accessing healthcare.’

Andrew is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advanced health worker with specialist palliative care services at Mackay Base Hospital. Just two months into the role, Andrew brings a deeply personal motivation to his work.

‘I’ve had experiences where family members didn’t have their cultural needs met at end of life. 
That’s what drives me, making sure other families don’t go through that,’ he said.

For Andrew, palliative care is about culture, connection and walking alongside patients and families in a way that honours who they are.

‘It’s not the end, it’s the next chapter in the journey.’

Lee-Ann is the first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioner for palliative care in Central Queensland, based at Rockhampton Hospital. After 10 years as a health worker and raising five children while working two jobs, she became a health practitioner and returned home to Country.

‘Once they say they’ve got a health practitioner, Aboriginal, they’re here. They’re at the front waiting to go in,’ she said.

From cancer care to chemotherapy to helping patients get home to Country, Lee-Ann walks with her patients every step of the way.

‘Your feet are forward, so you keep moving forward. Don’t give up, and never say never, because you can.’

Three careers. Three communities. One deadly future. ❤️

#NAIDOC2026 #NAIDOCWeek #50YearsOf

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## Tags

naidocweek, 50yearsof, naidoc2026

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