“Eye-opening and emotional” internship fortifies Camille’s career aspirations

Camille Smith gained valuable insights into traditional midwifery practices while working at Waminda as an Aurora Intern. After speaking to her university lecturer about gaining some work experience, Camille applied to the Aurora Internships program, and the Aboriginal Women’s Health Corporation was her top host organisation preference.

From Kamilaroi Country and raised on Gubbi Gubbi land, Camille was already very interested in a career in health, with a particular focus on helping Indigenous women and their families. “I was always fairly set on what direction I wanted my midwifery career to go in, and the internship confirmed my intentions.”

Camille made professional connections and was exposed to real-life situational learning during her time at Waminda. “I was lucky enough to shadow some incredible midwives and other healthcare workers whilst they delivered traditional and holistic midwifery care to women and their families. I learnt more about the role of bush medicine in healthcare which was immensely interesting, and I was really shown the difference between the way Indigenous people deliver care and support versus non-Indigenous people.”

Camille’s internship also highlighted systemic issues in the medical system and what can be done to remedy them. “It was an incredible insight into how much work needs to be done to expand better access and better care for Indigenous women and babies. [Waminda is] a revolutionary blueprint for the health and well-being of Indigenous women and all Indigenous peoples.”

Here’s what Camille would say to anyone considering an Aurora Internship, “It will be one of the most important experiences of your learning journey. Undertaking an internship and getting a feel for your chosen career in a culturally safe environment is so rewarding and enlightening.  It’s a fantastic opportunity to find support and guidance from mob who are leading the charge in various industries. Take whatever chance you can to be part of something like this.”

The Aurora Internship Program offers full time internships for 4-6 weeks or part-time equivalents at organisations working to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Aurora supports Indigenous and selected non-Indigenous interns to develop practical skills, gain real-world career experience and build professional networks.

Aurora prioritises supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and graduates to secure funded internships that are relevant to the candidate’s study or career aspirations. Indigenous interns will be provided with a weekly stipend of $900 (pro rata for part-time internships) and up to $3,800 (incl. GST) to cover the cost of travel and accommodation.

Applications for the Aurora Internship Program are now open! Click here to apply.

Aurora Intern Camille Smith. Image: Supplied