Peter Honeyman on learning to lead

Peter Honeyman is a proud Barkindji man from far west NSW. He was recently named St Vincent’s Health Network Sydney’s first Indigenous participant in the Graduate Management Trainee program.

The trainee program takes 2 years and provides training and experiences in all aspects of the health network’s operations, including St Vincent’s Hospital in Darlinghurst, Sydney.

It aims to prepare and encourage talented young people to become future leaders in the organisation.

‘This is a huge opportunity and I’m really excited by the possibilities it opens up,’ Peter said.

‘I’m particularly looking forward to boosting my knowledge and skills to better understand the complexities of the healthcare system’.

Peter began at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney in October 2017 as a Senior Aboriginal Health Worker as part of the organisation’s commitment to the Federal Government’s Employment Parity Initiative.

He plays a key role in forging relationships between Aboriginal patients and other health professionals. He also provides an Aboriginal Health perspective to projects across the hospital campus. Peter is the health network’s first internal appointment to the trainee program in over 10 years.

‘I spent my formative years growing up in a small town where I was exposed to various health concerns and challenges within my community,’ Peter said.

‘This prompted me to undertake a certificate IV in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care which in turn provided me with the knowledge and skills to help reduce the high mortality rates experienced by Aboriginal people.

‘I firmly believe my own lived experiences and studies have given me the tools to work closely and successfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds. I was able to make a difference, especially within our Aboriginal communities. This is something I was very passionate about and still am.’

‘I joined St Vincent’s because it allowed me to work in an area that I was passionate about, but always dreamt of utilising my potential in furthering my professional development.

‘Over the next few years, I’m really eager to gain new insights and experiences, improve my skills, contemplate study, and broaden my understanding of the healthcare system.’

Peter encourages other Indigenous Australians to consider careers in healthcare.

‘My advice to Aboriginal people considering a career in health or who contemplate university is to believe in yourself. If you put your mind to it, everything is achievable.’