Earlier this year we introduced Rikki Close, who joined the Logan Hospital Allied Health Psychology Department under an Indigenous cadetship.
 
As Rikki’s cadetship draws to a close, we are pleased to report that she has secured a Health Worker role within the Addiction and Mental Health Services (AMHS), Way Forward team.
 
In her new role as Advanced Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Worker, Rikki said she will assist the multidisciplinary team to help members of the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Community who live with mental illness and/or addiction.
 
Along with the opportunity to gain more knowledge and experience in the Addition and Other Drugs and Mental Health Fields, Rikki said she hoped to continue to build the rapport between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Liaison officers and Health Workers within Metro South Health.
 
“The skill I have acquired during my time in the cadetship will most definitely assist me to help build a stronger, healthier connection with community and health services in my new position,” she said.
 
“The AOD and Mental Health fields are prevalent when working with community,
 
“It is important to educate and support our community to aim for better outcomes when closing the gap on life expectancy; if we can implement increased community supports, we can expect to see better outcomes.”
 
Rikki said her new position would also help her work towards the program goals she wished to achieve once she had completed her Masters degree.
 
Congratulations Rikki!