Proud Yamatji Naaguja woman Jenna Greaves – the much-loved Clinical Coordinator & Child-Health Nurse at Aboriginal health service South Coastal Babbingur Mia in Rockingham – is this year’s NAIDOC Nursing and Midwifery Award winner.
NAIDOC Awards 2023. Crown Burswood, Perth. Sat 13 May 2023.
Jenna was presented with the prestigious honour at a glittering NAIDOC Awards 2023 ceremony at Crown Perth recently.
The award is open to any practising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nursing or Midwifery employee from across WA, and recognises their commitment to providing excellence in healthcare.
Jenna – who is committed to supporting self-empowerment of young Indigenous women and their families at a time that can be particularly challenging – was first motivated to pursue her nursing career as a young patient of the clinic 16 years ago.
“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.
“Thankyou to my community of Rockingham & 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.”
Jenna was raised in Kwinana and started her nursing journey at Marr Moorditj, where she received her Enrolled Nursing qualifications, before graduating from Deakin University as a Registered Nurse.
Fiona Stanley Hospital was Jenna’s next stop, as a graduate nurse, before pursuing her passion for Child and Adolescent Health nursing and landed work with Child and Adolescent Community Health.
Jenna then 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.
In accepting her award, Jenna thanked her mum, Colleen Councillor, for supporting her nursing and life journey, her two beautiful children, and her work family at BBM.
BBM CEO Dr Gill Walker said she was extremely proud to see Jenna honoured in the NAIDOC Awards 2023 – and was touched that the community of their not-for-profit organisation put Jenna forward for the honour.
“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, ” Dr Walker said.
Babbingur Mia’s experienced Midwife and Aboriginal Health Services offer support during and after pregnancy, by providing: in-home and clinic care before the birth (Antenatal); In-home and clinic care after the birth (Postnatal); Doctor’s appointments; Hospital appointments; Transport to appointments; and Emotional Wellbeing.