“Seeing our cultural educators, the tertiary students and the kids all out on country together learning from each other.” For Jacquie Rushford, this is what makes her work worthwhile.

Jacquie is the newest Lecturer in Remote Health (Allied Health) at Flinders University, based in Nhulunbuy, East Arnhem Land.

Her work varies day to day. “You will catch me planning or delivering cultural education sessions with the Flinders Cultural Educators, catching up with students about their placements and meeting with placement coordinators to arrange future student placements in the region,” she says.

Jacquie previously worked as a nurse at Derbarl Yerrigan in Perth. A move to Nhulunbuy came about by chance. “My partner and I both got jobs in Nhulunbuy on the same day so we moved,” she says. After her first job there did not suit her, she found the Flinders role. “I had heard such great things about Flinders in the region that I knew I had to apply,” she says.

This is the part of her job that gives her the most satisfaction, watching cultural educators, university students and children from Dhupuma Barker school in Gunyangara learn from each other on country. She is also picking up more Yolŋu Matha (language spoken by the Yolŋu people of northeast Arnhem Land) each week.

Jacquie values the people she has worked with over her career. “I am very grateful for the people I have met and the families I have worked with. They have taught me more than I can quantify,” she says.

Outside work, Jacquie stays busy outdoors. She fishes, camps and surfs, though surfing has taken a back seat lately due to Bäru (crocodiles). She also gardens, walks her dog Dory at the beach and takes on DIY projects.