Djangadi woman Bianca Rickert has been named Vocational Student of the Year at the 2026 Queensland Training Awards Tropical North Region final while studying nursing and working in aged care on Thursday Island.
The TAFE Queensland Diploma of Nursing student works as a personal carer at the northernmost aged care service in Australia, supporting elders in a remote setting while continuing her studies.
Originally from Kempsey in New South Wales and raised in Gimuy (Cairns), Ms Rickert has called Thursday Island home for the past five years, where her work and family experiences have helped shape her interest in nursing.
She explained what pushed her towards a career in healthcare.
"That motivation really started with my grandparents," Ms Rickert said.
"Then through my dad's cancer journey and working in aged care, I saw just how much of a difference good healthcare can make. That's what pushed me to take this further."
As she prepares to complete her Diploma of Nursing, Ms Rickert has reflected on a study journey that has involved online learning, regular travel and extended periods away from home.
Studying from Thursday Island meant completing much of the qualification online before travelling to Cairns for residential blocks and placements, with her practical training also taking her to Bamaga, Babinda and Cairns Hospital.
Ms Rickert said placements helped turn what she had learned through the course into practical skills.
"TAFE Queensland teaches you the basics to be safe," Ms Rickert said.
"Placement is where you learn how to use the skills, ask questions and adapt."
Reaching those placements often involved several ferry, bus and plane connections, as well as time away from work, family and community, but she has continued working and studying while progressing through the qualification.
Her commitment to education has extended well beyond the diploma, with Ms Rickert continuing to study since finishing school.
"I've never stopped studying since I graduated school," Ms Rickert said.
Living and working on Thursday Island has also strengthened her understanding of culturally safe care, and she has learned local language and protocols to help communicate with patients and build trust.
She added being able to communicate clearly with patients could directly affect their care and health outcomes.
"It's important to have someone who can understand them, speak the language and help break down the medical terminology," Ms Rickert said.
"It can mean the difference between someone taking life-saving medication or not."
"If they understand you better, you build trust and get better health outcomes."
Ms Rickert has also supported other students throughout the course by creating a group where classmates could stay connected, share information and help each other navigate their studies.
She plans to continue studying and become a registered nurse, with a focus on improving healthcare outcomes in remote communities.
"Now is not the end," Ms Rickert said.
"There are always learning opportunities to continue to grow."
The opening of the Thursday Island Health Hub will give future students greater access to nursing training closer to home, reducing the need to leave the Torres Strait for extended periods while supporting the development of a local healthcare workforce with experience and understanding of communities across the region.
