July 1, 2012

A Cherbourg woman, Lishayda Martin, has been selected by the State Government as one of it latest 14 “Deadly Stories” to be featured online.

As part of NAIDOC Week, a group of Indigenous Queenslanders has been selected by the State Government to promote their stories of success.

“Tomorrow marks the start of the annual NAIDOC Week and to celebrate we’re launching the next phase of the Queensland Government’s ‘Deadly Stories’ campaign,” Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs Minister Glen Elmes said at the weekend.

“We also want to change attitudes, and that’s why we are pleased to continue the three-year Deadly Stories campaign launched last year.”

The stories are featured on the Deadly Stories website and also on Facebook.

Lishayda’s “Deadly Story”: 

My name is Lishayda Martin. I grew up in Cherbourg and am a Gaangalou woman.

I am currently completing a Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Southern Queensland in Toowoomba. To supplement my studies I work part-time in aged care at Bluecare.

I wasn’t interested in university at first, however one of my teachers at high school submitted some forms for university. I came and had a look around at USQ and discovered it was the place for me.

My younger sister had a hip problem and needed surgery. She was in plaster for a couple of months up to her chest. I watched my grandmother and mother take care of her. This is how I became so passionate about nursing.

I hope to complete a graduate program in Indigenous health, and eventually work in women’s health.

I strongly encourage young Indigenous people to take every opportunity that comes their way. I didn’t have an OP when I left school but I completed a bridging course to get into university. I learnt a lot through that process and I discovered myself.
A lot of my family haven’t studied at a tertiary level and I didn’t think I could do it, but I realised I can. I enjoy being a role model to my sisters and cousins.

Hopefully I am making a difference. Leaving Cherbourg to achieve something, I hope to be the inspiration that others were to me. I hope to one day help educate and support Indigenous people in remote Aboriginal communities and improve the health outcomes of all Indigenous people.

Our culture is so strong and proud. It feels good to overcome our disadvantages.