I am a proud Gurang Gurang, Biri Gubba, and Gangulu man. I am a qualified dentist with ten years of clinical experience, one of the earliest Indigenous graduates in dentistry from James Cook University, and now a third-year Doctor of Medicine student at The University of Queensland.
Becoming the third Indigenous dentist to graduate from JCU was both a privilege and a responsibility. Since then, I have worked across community health, remote services, and private practice, where I witnessed the resilience of our people alongside the structural barriers to accessing culturally safe and timely care. These experiences deepened my commitment to advocating for equity and representation.
I also acknowledge the leadership of our Elders and pioneer Indigenous medical doctors who paved the way for AIDA and for our presence in medicine. Their courage created the pathways students like myself now follow, and I carry that legacy with responsibility and pride.
I have served as President of the Indigenous Dental Association of Australia (IDAA), representing Indigenous voices nationally and working with peak stakeholders including AHPRA and universities, which strengthened my governance and advocacy skills. Earlier in my journey, I helped establish an Indigenous student network at JCU Cairns to provide belonging and peer support. These experiences taught me the importance of connection, mentorship, and cultural identity — lessons that continue to guide me in medicine.