“The most rewarding part is seeing the impact you can make in such a remote community and workplace,” Lauren said.
“People say they want to go into healthcare to make a difference. Out there you actually see the difference.”
With the site still early on in the exploration phase, she is the only paramedic — supported by one nurse and an emergency services officer, rotating with another healthcare team on their week off.
“We have to teach ourselves and we have to adapt and find solutions for problems we didn’t ever think we’d face,” Lauren said.
“It’s also about being prepared. You need to be on top of things like orders and use by dates. If you suddenly have a massive incident but only have three IV needles you have a problem.”
Applying for a fly-in, fly-out job in such a remote location wasn’t the easiest choice, but so far, the most rewarding.
“We’ve all done our part to be there. The selection process is very rigorous and took three months after applying,” ,” Lauren said.
“I love the community and people. Everyone knows everyone. They’re my family now. They are all extraordinary and incredibly resilient, everyone brings something different to the team.
“And the vastness and the beauty of the area is very special. Coming back home to Warragul doesn’t feel real.”
Lauren’s family moved to Warragul in south-eastern Victoria when she was four. Her grandma is still farming in Warragul today.
“All my early memories are of the farm and cows,” Lauren said.
She followed in her grandfather and father’s footsteps when she did her training to become a volunteer firefighter at the age of 16.
While Lauren didn’t see herself working at a fire station full-time, she had a few opportunities to work alongside paramedics at emergency incidents, which inspired her to apply for a course at university.
But being able to go to university wasn’t just about getting accepted into the course — she also had to find a way to move to the city.
“I was the first person in my family to even consider going to uni.
“Being from a rural town, I didn’t even know anyone who’d gone to ini. I didn’t know what the options were.”
Lauren applied for a Gardiner Tertiary Scholarship after seeing an article about it in the local paper, but she didn’t think she had a chance to actually get it.
“I never even expected to hear back. But it was really exciting to get the interview.
“Travelling back and forth from university would have taken a lot of time, so I knew I had to move. I ticked the requirement boxes enough for the scholarship and thought I’d give it a shot.”
When she got word that she received the scholarship, it meant she was able to move to go to university.
“Without the scholarship it would have been a nightmare. It wasn’t going to be doable,” she said.
“The scholarship was a critical part in my life which has led me to the work I’m in now. I don’t know where I would have ended up without it.”
Lauren continues to educate herself and is currently enrolled in a Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Cultural Competency and is planning on doing her Certificate III in Emergency Mine Response and Rescue.
“I need to improve my understanding on how to communicate and work with Indigenous communities and everyone on site, and I need to upskill so I can offer the best assistance when it’s needed, no matter the situation,” she said.
“Out here, every day is something new. It makes me want to be the best I can be.
“The environment is inspiring. I go out there and I want to do and learn more.”
Applications for Gardiner Foundation Tertiary Scholarships close on November 21.
To be eligible, students must start their first year of full-time tertiary study in 2023 and need to relocate from home due to study commitments.
For more information and to apply, visit: www.gardinerfoundation.com.au/ts
