Deadly Start Trainee graduate and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Chronic Disease Health Worker Locklyn "Locky" O'Loughlin has been recognised at the Queensland Training Awards, winning the award for outstanding achievement by an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student within Queensland's vocational education and training sector.
A proud Quandamooka man, Locky's journey has been one of determination and resilience.
"It was an awesome experience," Locky said.
"I thought someone else would win. I was so proud of myself and my family. My family cried, they were so happy.”
Locky said receiving the award was especially meaningful given the challenges he faced growing up.
"I come from a difficult background and people didn't always expect me to succeed, so to achieve this is huge."
For Locky, the most rewarding part of his role is supporting community members to feel comfortable, informed and connected to the care they need.
"Sometimes it's helping someone feel more comfortable with the treating team or their chronic disease. Sometimes it's helping people understand what their illness actually is and what changes they can make."
Locky said cultural connection plays a vital role in helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients feel safe, understood and engaged in their healthcare.
"Making sure people feel heard and seen is really important. It's about respecting their boundaries and helping them manage their illness alongside their life."
Looking ahead, Locky is focused on completing his qualifications and continuing to build his skills as a health worker.
His advice for other young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people considering a career in health is simple.
"Give it your best shot. Give it a go and try something new," he said.
Locky will now represent Metro South Health at the Queensland Training Awards state finals at The Star Brisbane on 19 September.
"It's a proud moment," he said. "Now I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next."