Jacinta Corkeron, 18 February, 2022
Jacinta Cockeron’s experiences on placement led to a role she is passionate about.
I strongly believe in better mental health care for rural and remote Queenslanders. My role as Region Coordinator for Outback Futures involved facilitating a multi-disciplinary mental health team, providing telehealth and face-to-face clinics in Longreach and surrounding region. I was responsible for intake, maintaining relationship with clients waitlisted, and liaison with community including schools.
I first worked with Outback Futures as part of a placement subject at QUT. My placement unit led directly to my employment at Outback Futures as I was offered a part-time role after travelling to Blackall and Tambo. The placement, coupled with subjects such as psychopathology and counselling electives prepared me with invaluable skills to recognise and respond to relevant cultural and individual factors of the community.
Working to encourage a cultural shift towards help-seeking in these communities was an immense privilege, especially regarding suicide prevention. The opportunity to work in a multi-disciplinary team also provided me with personal opportunity for growth and development as a professional entering the workforce.
