Meet Aboriginal Cadet, Jasmine Unno

“Throughout my cadetship with HSS, I’ve had so much support and really felt included and heard - which is especially important for an Indigenous person in the workplace.”

Jasmine Unno is a proud Wardandi Noongar Ngadju yorga (woman) completing the WA Health Aboriginal Cadetship Program and is currently on her second placement with Health Support Services (HSS).

“My placements have taught me so much, not just about HSS, but also skills that can be transferred anywhere. I know that this opportunity is going to open so many doors for me.”

The WA Health Aboriginal Cadet Program provides an opportunity for Aboriginal people to gain paid work experience while completing an undergraduate degree.  The Program aims to develop their skills, establish personal and professional networks, while laying foundations for a career in the WA public health sector.

Previously placed within our Procurement and Supply team, Jasmine says it was an interesting experience learning about HSS’ services and how we support our customers.

“I didn’t know much about HSS before I began my placement, but I quickly came to realise there’s so many spaces to grow and people to learn from.”

Jasmine is now completing a placement with our Communications team where she’s working on a number of internal projects to support our employees and keep them informed. 

“I am loving the variety of projects I’ve had the opportunity to be part of so far, ranging from video content creation, script writing, and news article writing. I’m excited for what’s in store for the rest of the year.”

She tells us her current placement is aligned to her field of study – a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in History at the University of Western Australia (UWA) – as well as her creative interests.

Since joining the Communications team, Jasmine says she has explored many different subjects and skills in a short period of time.

“The work experience has been great but, I think more importantly, I’ve benefited most from developing professional connections with the talented and experienced people in the team. Their guidance, advice and consultation on the projects I’m working on has been invaluable.”

She says she’s particularly enjoyed being exposed to the diversity and inclusion space, having read many of the teams’ stories about LGBTIQ+ representation, multiculturalism and gender in our workplace.

“It’s been truly enlightening and inspiring to not only read these stories, but also to work at an organisation that encourages people from different diversity groups to feel seen, heard and valued.

“I can see how communications plays an important role in shaping a culture of inclusion for a workplace.”

When asked whether she would recommend the Program, she couldn’t speak more highly of the experience.

“I definitely would recommend the WA Health Aboriginal Cadet Program and a placement with HSS. I have no doubt that anyone who is interested would gain so much value.”