Lorraine Randall, a proud Pitjantjatjara, Yankunytjatjara and Narungga woman from Central and South Australia, works as an allied health assistant with the speech pathology team at Royal Darwin Hospital.

“What I love about teamwork is everyone working to achieve the same desired result and using their own expertise to achieve this.”

Lorraine was named Trainee of the Year at the NT Training Awards.

She wants to play a part in ‘closing the gap’ between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people by working as a speech pathologist in remote communities.

Lorraine has completed a Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance with the Northern Territory Aboriginal Health Academy.

She has always wanted to make a difference in Aboriginal health.

“I want to educate and encourage young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to guide them into a career in health,” she said. “And I want to be a leader and role model as my Poppa was part of the Stolen Generation.

“Knowing that he was a great leader to our community I can follow in his footsteps by being a great leader.

“My personal traits allow me to be a positive influence not just in a team but to other people.

“My traits include honesty, respect, team player, trust, equality, accountability and caring. I have developed strong leadership qualities, which also help me to encourage others to be the best they can be.”

Lorraine said her training and support from the academy has increased her confidence, independence and knowledge.

She said of her new life as a health worker: “This is the beginning of my story.”