For Abagail Searle, a proud Aboriginal woman and clinical psychology master's student, the NSW Health Aboriginal Cadetship Program has been more than just a stepping stone into NSW Health's allied health workforce, it's been a transformative experience.
Abagail received her cadetship in the first year of her master's program. “The financial assistance has been amazing," she says. “I wouldn't have been able to be part of the master's program without it." But the support has gone far beyond funding.
“I've made incredible connections with other clinicians and received cultural supervision that's helped me grow both personally and professionally." Abagail Searle (Aboriginal Allied Health Cadet)
“I've made incredible connections with other clinicians and received cultural supervision that's helped me grow both personally and professionally."
Throughout her cadetship, Abagail has developed a wide range of skills that will serve her well in her career. “Networking, communication, and understanding the importance of multidisciplinary teams have been huge," she explains. “I've had the chance to liaise with so many different specialties. It's been eye-opening and really rewarding."
One of the most memorable moments came during her rotation at a drug and alcohol clinic. “At first, my colleagues didn't understand what my role was. But by lunchtime, six or seven people came up to me once they knew about the program. They genuinely wanted to meet me and take me out to their clients. Some even gave me their personal phone numbers and said, 'If you ever need anything, please reach out. I instantly felt valued."
Abagail encourages other Aboriginal students considering a career in allied health to embrace every opportunity. “Be open-minded. I never thought I'd be part of an alcohol and other drugs clinic, but it turned out to be one of the best experiences. Don't be afraid to ask questions; you learn and you grow."
Her passion for psychology was sparked by the content she studied, but it was the human connection that truly inspired her. “Once I started working, I got this feeling when I connected with someone. I realised how much I value helping others. It's powerful to combine that feeling with a career."
Abagail is also passionate about culturally safe care. “It means asking, not assuming. Even within my own family, each of us express our Aboriginality differently. You need to ask and genuinely listen."
She wants more people to understand that being Aboriginal doesn't mean you only work with Aboriginal clients. “There are so many ways to integrate Aboriginal culture into Western medicine," she says. Her thesis explores the restorative effects of nature and how being on Country can reduce stress – a concept that resonates across cultures.
Despite initial nerves about meeting so many new people during her rotations, Abagail found joy in sharing her experiences with her university cohort. “I loved coming back to uni and telling everyone what I'd learned. The whole cohort is invested in the Cadetship."
Abagail's experience in the NSW Health Aboriginal Allied Health Cadetship demonstrates the power of support, connection, and cultural understanding.
Applications for the 2026 Aboriginal Allied Health Cadetship program are now open for eligible Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students in their final two years of study.
Find out more at NSW Aboriginal Allied Health Cadetship – Online Application App.