Nicole is a Wadawurrung and Wurundjeri woman and has worked in mainstream health in acute settings and Indigenous health for over 25 years as a Registered Nurse. She has also incorporated her health knowledge when working with Community, families, and children in primary school settings.
Nicole has academic experience in developing and delivering courses in the Bachelor of Nursing and has worked in curriculum design alongside student support and cultural governance as a Cultural Advisor and Indigenous Strategy Coordinator for several universities. She has provided academic and wraparound social care as a tutor for Indigenous health students and advised on culturally appropriate practices for staff.
Nicole has held various Board positions with State Governments, Peak Organisations, Aboriginal Community, local Health District, and local boards, advocating for Community and improved social and health outcomes. Having lived and professional experience in both urban, metropolitan cities and isolated rural locations, she has a unique perspective of the inequities and barriers to healthcare access that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People may experience.
Nicole is Associate Head of School- Indigenous Strategy in the School of Medicine at Deakin University and also leads the Indigenous Health Team. Nicole is passionate about allowing Communities to define their own needs and health outcomes, privileging their voice in the medical curriculum and student learning. The Indigenous Health Team and Nicole facilitate this through Cultural Immersion, learning on Country activities, and connecting Community with Deakin, seeking to progress safe healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and sound workplaces for Indigenous healthcare professionals.
