As the first Aboriginal Allied Health Cadet in Central Coast Mental Health, Zoe Smart is paving the way for future Aboriginal social workers in NSW Health. Based at Gosford Mental Health Inpatient Unit, Zoe is in her fourth year of study and began her cadetship in early 2025.
“The best way to describe the value of the cadetship is that while I'm still studying full-time, I have the opportunity to work in a health role that I'd normally only experience during placement," Zoe explains. “It's given me real-world experience and a flexible support system. During uni breaks, I can come in as many days as I like, which ensures balance and flexibility in meeting my cadetship requirements. It's employment, but it's also a supportive learning environment."
Zoe's cadetship has immersed her in the realities of mental health care. “I've learned how to work in a multidisciplinary team and gained exposure to the Mental Health Act. Understanding how legislation intersects with patient autonomy is crucial," she says.
She's also developed skills in discharge planning – a unique challenge in inpatient mental health settings. “Some patients are only in for a few days, so we have to support them holistically in a short time. It's something I've never experienced before and is an important skill to grasp for my future practice."
Zoe encourages other Aboriginal students to seize the opportunity. “Take it with both hands. It gives you the opportunity to build your professional network early and learn from other Aboriginal Allied Health professionals. You also have access to cultural supervision. Which is vital for our long-term sustainability and overall well-being as Aboriginal health professionals, whilst working in a large government organisation, like NSW Health. It is empowering and inspiring to see our mob represented in these roles."
Zoe recently relocated from remote Central Queensland, and faced barriers accessing similar programs. “Whilst living remote, I didn't have access to a cadetship due to my location. When applying for the NSW cadetship I was transparent in my application, advising that my purpose of returning to NSW was to eventually move back to my Wiradyuri Country and work alongside my community, indefinitely. NSW Health advised they would support me in transferring out West once I completed my degree, so I can achieve my long-term career goal."
Zoe's passion for social work is deeply rooted in her cultural identity. “As an emerging Wiradyuri social worker, I truly recognise the important role that cultural connection, identity and language plays in keeping mob safe, strong, and healthy. This means increasing the cultural compatibility of care when working alongside patients and appreciating that everyone's experience of identity or connection is different."
She's a strong advocate for integrating Aboriginal cultural perspectives into healthcare. “These positions are vital to ensure our voices are heard. Cultural identity is undervalued in the medical model, but is essential to meeting our patients' needs holistically."
One of Zoe's proudest experiences has been connecting with the NSW Health Indigenous Allied Health Network. “It brings mob together across NSW Health. We have yarns, share experiences, and support each other. Without the cadetship, I wouldn't have had access to this."
She's also passionate about raising awareness about the cadetship.
“It's such an amazing opportunity for emerging practitioners. I've been supported to network and build a future career in NSW Health. Stronger representation for our people in the NSW Health system is necessary. If we had more cadets, we'd see real change."Zoe Smart (Aboriginal Allied Health Cadet)
“It's such an amazing opportunity for emerging practitioners. I've been supported to network and build a future career in NSW Health. Stronger representation for our people in the NSW Health system is necessary. If we had more cadets, we'd see real change."
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.