Fueled by her passion for law and a commitment to healthcare, Darleen initially set her sights on becoming a barrister. Now, she's on a mission to make a real impact in Queensland's health system and create better outcomes for her mob by becoming Queensland's first Indigenous Coroner.
Darleen first entered health care after completing an AIN course whilst heavily pregnant. She showed tremendous resilience and dedication, juggling her studies and caring for her growing family. With six children and a full-time job, Darleen still found time for education. It was a family connection; her cousin Liamon Mudd suggested she apply for a CYLP tertiary scholarship.
Now, one year into her pursuit of a Bachelor of Nursing, she has ambitions to complete a Master of Nursing through Deakin University and become a forensic nurse. With big plans in mind, the forensic nurse role is just a stepping stone for Darleen, as she aims to impact change on a much higher level; she hopes to become Queensland’s first female Indigenous Coroner.
The Coroner is a special magistrate under the Coroner’s Court of Queensland and is instrumental to the court hierarchy. Coroners are responsible for investigating reportable deaths that occur in Queensland. This includes instances where the passing was violent, unnatural, accidental, and unexpected. The role deals with intense social concerns and deaths in custody or as a result of police operations. Coroners investigate death. They can help determine the identity and cause and help bring closure to the victims’ families.
Darleen said without the support of her family, community, and partner, she could never have hoped to have made it this far. She knows that CYLP’s investment in her education will help her to focus and make the most of the learning journey.
Being a role model for her family is one of the main factors that has kept Darleen pushing for so long, and she wants to set a shining example for her kids.
“I want them to see that if they work hard and never give up, they can be whatever they want to be,” she said.
Darleen said she has witnessed firsthand the failings of the health system on First Nations people and wishes to become an advocate for better health outcomes and help repair and rebuild the system from the inside.
“We have to start somewhere,” she said.