Eliana Willie’s journey into the health sector began in 2022 as a participant in the inaugural cohort of the IAHA National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Academy in Greater Western Sydney (GWS). From the beginning, Eliana stood out for her determination, resilience, and passion to make a meaningful difference in her community.
What truly shaped Eliana’s experience was the strong sense of belonging and support she found through the IAHA National Academy -GWS program. Surrounded by peers with shared cultural backgrounds and similar aspirations, Eliana thrived in an environment that was culturally safe, collaborative, and empowering. IAHA Group Training fostered deep connections, mutual encouragement, and a shared commitment to the success of Eliana —not just as individual, but as a collective alongside her fellow peers in the program.
Through IAHA National Academy, Eliana engaged in hands-on learning and culturally responsive education that built her confidence and practical skills. Her placements at Blacktown Hospital exposed her to real-world healthcare settings where she contributed to exercise and rehabilitation programs, assisted with ability assessments, and worked alongside multi-disciplinary teams to provide holistic patient care.
Despite the challenges of balancing school, a School-Based Traineeship, and personal responsibilities, Eliana credits the group support and mentoring within the Academy for helping her stay motivated and focused. The strength of the community around her—fellow trainees, trainers, mentors, and staff—played a crucial role in her perseverance and success.
Eliana not only completed her HSC at Chifley College Bidwill Campus but also graduated from IAHA National Academy in 2023 through a collaboration with Tafe NSW as one of the first in Greater Western Sydney to do so. Her efforts were nationally recognised when she was named the 2023 IAHA Trainee of the Year, a proud moment that reflected both her individual growth and the power of collective support.
Following her school-based traineeship, Eliana enrolled in the Undergraduate Preparation Program for Nursing and Health Science at Western Sydney University College and soon after began her Bachelor of Nursing & Midwifery. Eliana was also a successful candidate for the WSLHD Aboriginal Nursing and Midwifery Cadetship in 2024 At the same time, she returned to the IAHA National Academy as a casual staff member, using her lived experience to mentor new trainees. Now a role model and guide, Eliana is giving back to the very community that uplifted her, helping others navigate their own journeys with confidence and cultural pride.
Eliana’s story is a powerful testament to the lasting impact of group-based, culturally responsive training programs. Through the wrap around support from IAHA Group Training and the IAHA National Academy program, she has not only shaped her own future but is actively contributing to a healthier, stronger future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities—one trainee at a time.