Tiarna Wakley
Newcastle,NSW
Summary
AHPRA registered Aboriginal Health Practitioner with the Hunter New England Local Health District, providing culturally safe care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth accessing Drug and Alcohol Services. Skilled in motivational interviewing, clinical assessment, and health education, with a strong focus on community engagement. Experienced in building trust, breaking down stigma around addiction, and supporting improved access to care and better health outcomes.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Aboriginal Health Practitioner
HNELHD
04.2025 - Current
- Aboriginal Health Practitioner providing Culturally Safe and appropriate care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients accessing Youth Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services.
- Providing support to multidisciplinary teams to ensure Culturally Safe care is being delivered to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Clients.
- Working to change stigmas and stereotypes around addiction and accessing Drug and Alcohol Services.
- Providing Clinical care within current scope of practice.
- Educate clients about the impact of stress, substance abuse and other lifestyle choices on their overall wellbeing.
- Encourage clients to utilise positive coping mechanisms such as mindfulness exercises, relaxation techniques or physical activity.
Aboriginal Health Worker
HNELHD
11.2023 - 04.2025
- Providing culturally safe and appropriate care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people accessing Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services in the Newcastle area.
- Providing support to multidisciplinary teams to ensure Culturally Safe care is being delivered to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Clients.
- Working to change stigmas and stereotypes around addiction and accessing Drug and Alcohol Services.
- Providing Clinical care within current scope of practice, whilst studying to become an Aboriginal Health Practitioner.
- Developed relationships with community members and organisations to facilitate easier access to health services.
Administration Officer
HNLEHD
06.2022 - 11.2023
- Administration Officer for HNLEHD Drug and Alcohol Services and WNSWLHD, providing high quality administrative support.
- Communication with multidisciplinary teams, external stakeholders and clients.
- Submitting of quotes, invoices and tendering for Research Grants.
- Organising of Travel and Accommodation, approving leave requests and keeping Professional Development Plans up to date for staff.
- Providing a high level of assistance to Executive Staff Members, including the Senior Nurse Manager and Director of Allied Health.
Customer Service Officer/Administration Officer
VERTO Training Services
01.2021 - 06.2022
- CSO/Administration Officer for VERTO Training Services providing high level Customer Service to external stakeholders, Training Staff and Students.
- Management of enrolment forms, confirming eligibility for funding, collation of course materials and processing of student course outcomes.
Administration Officer
Destination NSW
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Administration Officer for Destination NSW – Destination Country and Outback.
- Providing a high level of assistance to the General Manager, Board Members and the Chair of DNCO.
- Liaising with External Stakeholders including Local Tourism Operators and peak body organisations such as NSW Aboriginal Tourism Operators Council.
- Creation of policies and procedures, reports and assistance in the creation and implementation of several statewide tourism projects.
- Attending executive level meetings with Aboriginal Peak Bodies, to offer assistance and ensure their concerns are heard.
Education
Certificate IV - Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Primary
TAFE NSW
03-2025
First Aid Certificate
TAFE NSW
01-2025
Higher School Certificate
Dubbo College Senior Campus
11-2015
Skills
- Problem Solving
- Open Communication
- Motivational Interviewing
- De-escalation
- Health Advocacy
- Cultural Support
- Clinical Assessment
- Culturally safe care
- Community engagement
- Health Education
Certification
- Paid Working with Children Check
- Criminal History Check
Accomplishments
2024 Drug and Alcohol Excellence Award recipient for High Value Health Care – Excellence in Aboriginal Health Care
Timeline
Aboriginal Health Practitioner
HNELHD
04.2025 - Current
Aboriginal Health Worker
HNELHD
11.2023 - 04.2025
Administration Officer
HNLEHD
06.2022 - 11.2023
Customer Service Officer/Administration Officer
VERTO Training Services
01.2021 - 06.2022
Administration Officer
Destination NSW
01.2019 - 01.2021
Certificate IV - Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Primary
TAFE NSW
First Aid Certificate
TAFE NSW
Higher School Certificate
Dubbo College Senior Campus
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