First Nations Telegraph

Anthony Galea is ready for the next phase of his life providing health care as a Queensland Ambulance Service cadet paramedic on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) after recently graduating from CQUniversity.

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The 64-year-old Quandamooka man crossed the stage in Brisbane to receive his Diploma of Paramedical Science, continuing a study journey that started with CQU’s Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS) in 2019.
 
Anthony’s decision to become a paramedic was fostered by his desire to help provide better health care to First Nations peoples.
 
“I have been interested in health care for a long time. I started out in Aboriginal health, working in the local community and then with the QAS. It was a natural progression in health,” he said.
 
“I’ve been a cadet in Minjerribah for two years and I do feel like I am making a difference there.”
 
Anthony said being a mature age student had its challenges, but they were challenges he relished.
 
“It’s been interesting and busy, with lots of study, and balancing university with work, but I’ve received very good training - practical hands-on, relevant for the role that I am in.”
 
He said he was looking forward to the next phase of study having been admitted into CQU’s Bachelor of Paramedical Science.
 
He encouraged other First Nations peoples to pursue their dreams, whether it be a paramedic, nurse, or tradesperson.
 
“Yes, just do it, that would be my suggestion, if that’s what they would like to become,” he said.
 
“I would also like to thank the QAS Aboriginal and Torres Islander Cultural Safety Unit for their efforts and support, during my studies.”