“I had heard amazing things about study placements in the Northern Territory, so I requested one for my final year,” Bella Downing explains. Her three-month placement in Nhulunbuy, East Arnhem Land, opened the door to new perspectives in her speech pathology career.

A Step Outside of Comfort Zone

Bella, who completed a Bachelor of Speech Pathology with Flinders University in Adelaide, chose her field out of a passion for healthcare and the variety it offered. “I was drawn to the diverse scope of practice and services within speech pathology,” the South Australian shares.

When the chance to do her placement in the Northern Territory arose, she seized it, eager to step outside her comfort zone. “It was a life-changing opportunity where I learnt so much from the Yolngu community, particularly around culture and the importance of relationship building.”

A Typical Day in East Arnhem Land

Bella’s placement days were rich and varied. She shared accommodation with fellow Flinders students and worked alongside a multidisciplinary team. “We supported local aged care services, made home visits, and provided therapy at Shady Beach near Nhulunbuy,” she recalls. Her placement also included weekly visits to the Garrthalala Homelands and a unique opportunity to learn from Yolngu Elders. “They taught us about Yolngu languages, kinship systems, and so much more,” she says.

Fridays spent learning On Country were particularly memorable.“The clients were so generous with their time and knowledge,” Bella says. “Our clinical educator, Chris, reminded us we’d take away more than we could ever give—and that was true.”

Lessons That Last

The experience reshaped Bella’s understanding of her role as a health professional. “I learnt about cultural humility, and that I am foremost a learner when working with Aboriginal clients and communities,” she says. These lessons have become integral to her current practice.

Bella also credits the placement with building her confidence. “Living and working remotely seemed daunting, but the support from Flinders made it manageable,” she says.

A Career in Remote Communities

Inspired by her time in East Arnhem Land, Bella now works with the Department for Education’s Anangu Lands Team in South Australia. “I apply the collaborative and reflective practices I learned during my placement every day,” she says.

Bella encourages students to embrace rural placements. “Do it! It’s a unique opportunity to learn about culture, language, and remote living in a supported way. The memories and friendships will stay with you forever.”