 |
Tanya is a proud Gamilaraay woman from Coonabarabran, NSW, who was primarily raised on Dharawal land near Campbelltown, NSW. In 2019, she began working as the Aboriginal Health Worker for Paediatric Palliative Care and Chronic and Complex Needs at the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network. This role was the first of its kind in paediatrics in Australia, and Tanya feels deeply honoured to have shaped and developed the position to ensure Aboriginal children and their families feel culturally supported and experience culturally safe care. Tanya works across the paediatric palliative care and oncology spaces, and she strongly believes that Comfort Care—grounded in culture and spiritual connection—is essential for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. She advocates for care that honours cultural practices, respects community ties, and embraces the spiritual dimensions of health and wellbeing. Outside of her professional role, Tanya enjoys running in the bush and creating Aboriginal artwork. She often returns to Country to connect with her spiritual ancestors. This connection to Country and Spirit helps her refuel and sustain the important work she does. Tanya has a strong spiritual foundation and says she gives thanks to her Spirits each day for guiding her on her journey. |