Krista Carbine works for the Umoona Aged Care Corporation in Coober Pedy.

She is one of the first trainees to start with the Indigenous & Remote Service Delivery Traineeship Program and completed her Certificate IV in Business in June 2011.

As part of her traineeship, Krista worked with a team to come up with a Cultural Model of Care for Elders in her community and was later asked to present her ideas at a National Conference.

The first time she presented to a group, Krista was very shy and nervous, saying, “You could see me shake.”

We recently spoke to Krista about how she found the training and what it has meant for her.  This is what she had to say.

“The experience of travelling and meeting new people was awesome!  I had not been to Sydney before and not been in a training group that included people out of our community and from other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

“Acknowledgement and confidence was the two big things I got out of my Certificate IV.  At the conclusion of my training I had an opportunity to present at a National Conference for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aged Care Service Providers with our Executive Officer.

“I felt a lot more confident and comfortable presenting at the conference as I had gained skills during my training and was presenting on an area that I was not only passionate about, but proud to be a part of.

“One special part was having two of my aunties at the conference who work for another service in Ceduna where some of my family live.  They were so pleased to see my presentation, that in the morning tea break they phoned my nan and mum to tell them how good I did.

“My boss says that she has a 10-year plan for me. When I know what it is I will tell you! P.S. I am at the 3rd year of the plan and I have my Cert IV in Business!

“We work with very special Elders and people need to know that as well as that we work really hard to support them.  It was an awesome experience.  I can’t wait for the next opportunity to share the story of my workplace.”