31/08/2025
Last week, we announced our third Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), continuing St Vincent's 15-year commitment to justice, truth-telling, and culturally safe care.
A key part of this commitment is providing pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to build rewarding careers in healthcare. In honour of National Association of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners Day in July, we spoke with Melissa Lyons, our NSW Indigenous Talent Partner.
Mel has a strong personal connection to St Vincent's—her grandmother was our first Aboriginal Woman Social Worker, who was part of the team that established the Gadigal room at St Vincent’s Sydney. With a background in nursing, Mel is passionate about healthcare and creating a culturally safe working environment, and to help establish internal support communities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees across all NSW St Vincent’s public and private hospitals, and aged care services. As St Vincent’s NSW Indigenous Talent Partner, Mel’s role is specifically focused on recruitment. Mel welcomes applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates.
We are committed to providing pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to build a rewarding career in healthcare. These are some of the key programs:
• The Aunty Fay Carroll Program: In partnership with TAFE Ultimo and St Vincent’s Public Hospital, this program supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to start their careers in health, providing education, mentoring, and pathways to employment across St Vincent’s Public and Private Hospitals. A dedicated Aboriginal Programs Nurse Educator supports participants throughout their learning and career progression.
• Cadetship with Western Sydney University: This two-year cadetship, available to both new recruits and current employees, allows staff to work and study at the same time. The program, which aligns with an Aboriginal Practitioner certificate qualification and Aboriginal Health Worker course, offers practical experience and a supportive cohort environment. This allows participants to connect with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and share learning tools, fostering a stronger sense of community and understanding.
These programs and the dedicated work of our people are instrumental in ensuring St Vincent's Private Hospital Sydney remains a supportive place for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees to grow their careers and continue their important work.