11. Building Stronger Communities with Lesley Woolf OAM

Join us on a captivating journey to the heart of Australia's remote healthcare landscape with Lesley Woolf OAM, a distinguished healthcare professional whose exemplary 50-year career has earned her the Order of Australia Medal. Lesley is the Executive Health Manager at Mala'la Health Service, where she does everything from manage the local morgue to launching critical child health programs - the challenges are both unique and challenging. But Lesley is all about the positive changes brought about by transitioning healthcare to community control. She highlights the importance of collaboration with her team and the journey towards creating a more accessible healthcare environment. Get a glimpse into the life of a remote area nurse as Lesley discusses the essential qualifications, ongoing education, and personal resilience required to thrive in these demanding roles. Her stories from places like Mount Isa and the Northern Territory underscore the joy and fulfillment that come with a career in nursing, despite the challenges. Lesley's personal anecdotes and professional milestones shine a light on the remarkable improvements in healthcare services, inspiring listeners to appreciate the power of community-driven healthcare and the passionate individuals like her who make it possible. More about Lesley's Charity of Choice, Mala'la Health Services: Mala'la Health Service Aboriginal Corporation provides culturally appropriate and comprehensive primary health care services to the people of Maningrida community and surrounding homelands under a community-control model. It Takes Heart is hosted by cmr’s Samantha Miklos and Kate Coomber and recorded at cmr’s head office in Brisbane. We Care; Music by Waveney Yasso Get to know It Takes Heart & cmr better! Instagram: @ittakesheartpodcast and @cornerstonemedicalrecruitment YouTube: @ItTakesHeartPodcast and @cornerstonemedicalrecruitment TikTok: @cornerstonemedicalrec LinkedIn: @cmr | Cornerstone Medical Recruitment Facebook: @CornerstoneMedicalRecruitment