Casey Manhire
Meet Casey Manhire - AHP and Clinical Team Leader at Bagot Clinic
Casey is a proud Ngarrindjeri and Yawuru woman who first started working at Danila Dilba Health Service when she was 16 years old. She completed her Aboriginal Health Practitioner (AHP) training at the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education in 2014.
Almost 10 years on from Casey's graduation, we caught up with her to find out what started it all, and how her work-life progressed from AHP to Clinical Team Leader.
What motivated you to become an AHP?
My family - I come from a line of very strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women. My parents have always worked in positions within the Aboriginal health sector, helping some of the most vulnerable people and I wanted to do the same. They are my inspirations.
How did you land your position/s at Danila Dilba?
I have been employed multiple times at Danila Dilba Health Service, beginning at the age of 16 as a medical receptionist. I became an AHP with Danila Dilba in 2017.
I am a strong believer in the philosophy of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) and believe that having Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's lives in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's hands will create better health outcomes. This governs my practice as a health professional.
I want to continue to contribute to the self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. I applied for the role of the Chronic Disease Care Coordinator at the Bagot Community Clinic in 2021 and have progressed into the Bagot Team Leader role since.
What brings you the most satisfaction in your job?
Seeing other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people excel in life, either professionally or personally. Witnessing and being part of a patient's journey to become healthier and happier. These are things that bring me joy and fulfillment.
The patients that I have worked with are some of the most resilient and most compassionate people that I have ever met. Their ability to face things head on, adapt with hardship, and provide for the whole family is just inspiring. I care deeply for them all.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully in a position of leadership, within the Aboriginal health sector that allows me to affect positive change. Watch this space!