Cadet to graduate: opening doors at HSS and beyond

WA Health recently celebrated its latest cohort of Aboriginal graduates and cadets.

The Aboriginal Graduate Program is a two-year development program dedicated to equipping Aboriginal university graduates with the skills, customised training and networking opportunities needed to navigate careers within WA Health and beyond.

The graduation cohort included our very own, Jasmine Unno, who represented HSS in the program this year.

The ceremony marked a moment of pride for Jasmine as she reflected on her growth during the program and shared her journey from cadet to graduate with the rest of her peers.

Jasmine commenced at HSS in 2021 as a cadet in Procurement & Supply at the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer (OCPO) before moving on to the HSS Communications team.

The first year as a cadet gave Jasmine the chance to experience a corporate environment for the first time and was a big transition from any previous work experience she had acquired.

Eager to develop professionally, she joined the Aboriginal Graduate Program, which gave her the opportunity to work at HSS in a full-time capacity.

“I enjoyed my time with the Communications team so much that I wanted to keep working and learning in that space and the Aboriginal Graduate Program was a way to carry on from my cadetship seamlessly.”

Over the duration of her program, Jasmine was able to interact with various business units throughout the organisation on a variety of exciting and engaging projects.

With the chance to hone in on her individual interests, Jasmine’s confidence grew as she explored how her skills could best contribute to the organisation.

With the support and mentorship of her manager and peers, she was able to bring her own ideas and initiatives to life – such as the collaborative artwork unveiled at HSS’ 2025 NAIDOC Week event.

This was highlight in her HSS career, as it not only gave her the chance to work with the Diversity & Inclusion team but the chance to share her culture and connect with other Aboriginal employees at HSS.

Post graduation, Jasmine will continue to build on the experience she has gathered over the last 5 years through a new role within the diversity and inclusion space.

“My role as an Aboriginal Engagement Consultant allows me to focus on supporting the Aboriginal employees at HSS (especially cadets and grads) while working on other D&I initiatives with my new team.”

Jasmine noted that the program not only presented a clearer pathway for her own career but also has the power to open doors for the Aboriginal community and WA Health.