Brett works closely with teams across Bayside Health to strengthen Aboriginal employment pathways and support meaningful reconciliation in practice. He’s also a key point of connection for staff, helping embed culturally safe approaches across our organisation.
Through his role, Brett is helping create more inclusive workplaces and drive our ongoing commitment to reconciliation.
Get to know Brett as he shares more about his role, what inspires him, and what he enjoys outside of work.
Q: What is your job title and what sort of duties do you have at work? What are you most passionate about this role?
A: My position is Aboriginal Employment and Reconciliation Advisor, or AREA for short. In this role, I lead the implementation of actions within the Reconciliation Action Plan and the Aboriginal Employment Plan. This includes creating employment opportunities and pathways for mob, strengthening our connection with community, and improving cultural safety across the hospital.
What I love most about the role is building meaningful connections, both with community and across our Health Service. The support and genuine interest from staff has been fantastic.
Q: Where did you work before Community Care?
A: Before joining Bayside Health, I was the Production Manager at Flagworld Australia, where I oversaw the creation of Australian, Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Pride flags, many of which you’ll see across the hospital.
At the start of 2025, I transitioned into Aboriginal Health, joining Albury Wodonga Health in dual roles as Aboriginal Health Partnerships Manager and Aboriginal Liaison Officer. During this time, I established and chaired the hospital’s Aboriginal Advisory Committee and contributed to the development of the organisation’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan.
Some of my proudest achievements include designing new Aboriginal uniforms, creating glass Acknowledgement plaques across the health service, and yarning with Elders and Aboriginal organisations throughout the region. I also built strong relationships and friendships that will stay with me for life.
Q: Who inspires you?
A: Anyone who goes above and beyond to make a positive difference in people’s lives. There’s a real authenticity and humanity in that, and it’s something I really admire.
Q: What motivates you at work, and what’s your idea of a perfect day?
A: At work, I’m driven by knowing that what I do isn’t just for me — it has a real impact on the broader community. Being able to help create safer, more meaningful experiences for mob keeps me focused and motivated to bring my best every day.
My perfect day? A solid kilo of carbonara, video games, and loud music in the background (Soundgarden or Bad Brains), all from the comfort of the couch. That’s peak performance.
Q: Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies?
A: I used to play guitar in a punk/grunge band, but I’m officially too old to rock now — or at least too tired to carry amps. I love art, painting, and anything creative. I’m also an avid video game collector and enthusiast.
And for my final hidden talent: I can make a packet of Doritos disappear in under a minute.