The latest Closing the Gap Annual Data Compilation Report was released last month, the fourth report monitoring progress on the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
The Agreement, made in 2020 between the Australian Government and the Coalition of Peaks representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, is built around four Priority Reforms and includes 19 targets across 17 socioeconomic outcome areas. It is aimed at improving life outcomes for Indigenous Australians.
The latest report shows that 5 of 19 targets are on track to be met.
One of the outcome areas, Outcome 7, focuses on increasing the engagement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in employment or education. The target is to have 67% of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (aged 15–24) engaged in employment, education, or training by 2031.
While targets for Outcome 7 are among those not yet on track, there has been an increase in the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth fully engaged in employment, education, or training in the last reporting period.
In support of this target, the Guild and Symbion recently announced recipients of the Symbion and Guild Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student Scholarship Initiative for 2024.
One of the 2024 scholarships was awarded to Henry Joseph, a proud Torres Strait Islander working as a pharmacy assistant at the Thursday Island Pharmacy and studying for his Certificate III in Community Pharmacy. The Scholarship not only provides him with financial support to ease living costs but also connects him with a mentor of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.
Henry is a perfect candidate for the scholarships which support students undertaking studies in Certificate III in Community Pharmacy and aim to enhance employment opportunities and foster growth within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pharmacy workforce.
Of course, employing more Indigenous Australians in the pharmacy workforce significantly improves access to culturally appropriate pharmacy services for their local communities.
When asked what inspired him to further his studies, Henry credits his parents and manager, saying, “They have always believed in me and been supportive throughout this journey.”
As a Thursday Island local, Henry enjoys working for his community and caring for its members. He offers strong advice to those considering a career as a pharmacy assistant in community pharmacy, saying, “Never back down from opportunities. Believe in yourself and know you can do anything.”
He adds, “Always push yourself to be the best of the best.”
Looking ahead, Henry aims to complete his Certificate III studies and pursue a Certificate IV in Community Pharmacy. This will see him continuing as one of the increasing numbers of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the community pharmacy workforce.
