Leading with culture and purpose
Julie O’Brien is a proud Aboriginal woman from the Yulluna People of Northwest Queensland and is currently studying for a degree in social work.
Raised on her ancestral country by her mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Julie’s early life was grounded in cultural connection, family and community. These years, surrounded by her uncles, aunties and cousins, remain a treasured memory. “My mum supported and managed to keep together her six brothers and two sisters in a period of intense uncertainty,” she says.
At age 10, Julie moved to Maryborough to be with her father’s family and later relocated to Mackay in 1998, where she still lives today on Yuwi Country. Her mother's upbringing, especially during a time of government assimilation policies in the 1950s and 60s, shaped her deep commitment to supporting her community.
Julie began her healthcare career in 1988, graduating as an enrolled nurse. Over the past 35 years with Queensland Health, she has worked tirelessly in clinical and leadership roles and currently serves as Acting Director of Operations for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Unit at Mackay Hospital and Health Services.
Despite her senior position, Julie found herself yearning to make more direct change at the grassroots level, particularly in improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients. In 2022, she enrolled full-time in a Bachelor of Social Work at the University of the Sunshine Coast whilst continuing to work full-time. Balancing three subjects per semester and a demanding job, she has thrived, currently holding a GPA of 6.03.
“The care our mob receives is often inadequate and lacking cultural perspective,” Julie says. “That leads to poorer outcomes and repeated hospital visits. I want to change that.”
Julie’s goal is to integrate her management experience and policy knowledge with front-line social work to better advocate for culturally safe care. Her upcoming third year placement with the Department of Youth Justice and Victim Support in Mackay is another step toward that vision.
According to Julie, the scholarship she received from the Aspen Medical Foundation has been critical. “It eased the financial pressure and allowed me to focus on study. I feel incredibly privileged.”
Julie’s passion for culturally safe healthcare, grounded in her identity and community, continues to drive her forward. She is not just studying to complete a degree, she is helping lead lasting change for her people.