Diploma Graduate – Amber Saltner

My name is Amber Saltner, I am a proud participant in the first group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers and managers, to enrol in the Diploma of Professional Practice Leadership in 2019.

This was possible due to Sandy Robertson from the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council (QAIHC) and funding from Health Workforce QLD.

We had to fulfil requirements to prove our determination, suitability and motivation to learn. The study was relevant and challenged us as to why and how we process data and reporting, but there was a big emphasis on planning. We had some great, really informative Face to face lessons from Gary Smith, UNE Partnerships. He was extremely helpful and accommodating to our study needs.

Covid 19, the pandemic was very disruptive to our learning times and UNE Partnerships were very flexible and created webinars and study groups and teams events. It was excellent.

Even having a baby during this study time, I was able to plan and manage my time to complete the qualification, by watching the videos and requesting coaching help.

I enrolled to develop my skill set and apply them in daily operations during work and to assist my community of Cherbourg and surrounds, to better health for the future. This part time, further education study was challenging, I pushed through, adjusted my study plan and was really happy to hand in my last assessment on time.

By completing this qualification, it has given me a more clear understanding of the clinical setting and its operations and all the fundamentals involved, from management of staff to daily operations, this has also given me the confidence to successfully fulfil my duties as a clinic coordinator and further my career in the health sector.