Proud Yamatji Naaguja woman Jenna Greaves - a well regarded Clinical Coordinator & Child-Health Nurse at Aboriginal health service South Coastal Babingurr Mia in Rockingham - was recently given the NAIDOC Nursing and Midwifery Award.
Ms Greaves received her esteemed recognition during the grand NAIDOC Awards of 2023 at Crown Perth.
The NAIDOC awards of 2023 welcomed nominations from Indigenous nursing practitioners in Western Australia, highlighting their dedication to delivering exceptional healthcare services.
Among those in contention, Ms Greaves stood out for her dedication to empowering young Indigenous women and their families during challenging periods. Her personal journey as a patient in the clinic 16 years ago fueled her determination to pursue a nursing career.
"I attended South Coastal Babbingur Mia (BBM) as a young pregnant mum 16 years ago and now here I am as the clinical coordinator and child-health nurse, it really is a full circle," she said.
"Thank you to my community of Rockingham and Kwinana for all the support. I truly love my community.
"Helping my community as a nurse is the most amazing reward in life. I love to be able to help young Aboriginal mums and families with self-empowerment, to be the best possible parents they can be. It honestly is so humbling."
Growing up in the community of Kwinana, Ms Greaves embarked on her nursing path at Marr Moorditj.
There, she obtained her Enrolled Nursing qualifications, marking the beginning of her professional journey. With her sights set on growth, she pursued higher education and successfully graduated from Deakin University as a Registered Nurse.
Ms Greaves first put her skills to use at Fiona Stanley Hospital, where she started her career as a graduate nurse.
However, her passion for Child and Adolescent Health nursing lead her to secure a position within the Child and Adolescent Community Health sector.
Soon after, she landed her dream job at BBM, starting out as the Child Health Nurse before progressing to Clinical Coordinator – and winning the hearts of the community.
Ms Greaves expressed gratitude to her mother, children, and BBM work family in her acceptance speech.
BBM chief executive Dr Gill Walker was proud of Jenna's NAIDOC Awards honor and touched by her nomination from the organisation's community.
"This is the second consecutive NAIDOC Awards honour for our staff here at South Coastal Babbingur Mia," said Dr Walker.
"Babbingur Mia came Runner-Up in last year's Program of the Year category – nominated for being full of heart, and care for their community and people.
"And back in 2016, our own Valmae Walley was nominated for Carer of the Year and came runner-up.
"This is recognition again of the hard work that we all put in to support our community and to provide a culturally safe space. Congratulations Jenna, we are all so proud."
