First Nations careers

At Gold Coast Health, we know Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff play a key role in supporting strong, healthy communities and culturally responsive care. We value the knowledge, culture and strengths of our nation's First People.

We are proud to support a strong First Nation’s workforce, with safe workplaces, real career pathways, and support at every stage of your journey.

Whether you are at school, studying, or already working, there are many ways to start or grow your journey with us. There are many options across clinical and non-clinical roles, where you can make a difference for community.

You can work in any role at Gold Coast Health; Identified and non-Identified.

Make a difference for your community

• Be the change you want to see in First Nations health
• Be part of a strong and supportive team
• Help deliver culturally safe and responsive care
• Build a career with purpose.

Gold Coast health is committed to building an inclusive and respectful work environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff are valued, supported and provided with opportunities to thrive.

Our First Nations Workforce Equity and Inclusion Action Plan outlines our vision for a strong and capable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce.

We are committed to building a strong and capable First Nations workforce that partners with community to shape respectful, accessible and culturally responsive care, ensuring every person feels seen, heard and supported throughout their healthcare journey.

Career pathways and progression

We offer a range of career pathways designed to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees at all stages of their career.

Opportunities exist across administration, research, IT, business, communications, corporate services, allied health and more. Whatever your interests or strengths, there’s a pathway where you can make a real difference for community.

Opportunities include:

Entry-level roles across clinical, community and corporate settings

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners roles Allied health, administration, IT, business, communications and research pathways
• Career progression into specialised, leadership and professional roles
• Opportunities to work across hospitals, community health services and corporate teams
• Pathways that support long-term career development and capability building.

Early career entry pathways

We offer a range of entry pathways to help you start your career in health, gain practical experience and build confidence.

School students

• School-based apprenticeships and traineeships
• Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation
• Deadly Start traineeships careers

Applications for the 2026-2027 cohort of the School-based Traineeship Program and the Deadly Start Traineeship Program are open until Wednesday 24 June 2026.

This is a paid 12-month traineeship where students spend one day per week working with Gold Coast Health while completing a nationally recognised Certificate II or III qualification alongside their Year 12 studies.

Trainees will gain meaningful, real-world experience across approximately 375 hours of hospital and health service placement in a variety of healthcare and administration areas.

View the flyer for an overview of the opportunities available, and submit your application by Wednesday 24 June 2026. This program is open to current Year 11 students, and runs from August 2026 – September 2027. 

Undergraduate students

• Undergraduate roles such as Undergraduate Student in Nursing and Midwifery
• Queensland Health Cadetships
• Learning Experience and Academic Placement (LEAP).

Graduate

• Entry-level roles across clinical, allied health and corporate services
• Allied Health First Nations graduate pathway
• Indigenous Intern Pathway
• Queensland Health Medical Inten
• Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care
• First Nations Registered Nurse and Midwifery program.

Vocational education, training and university students

• U-me Koola Program

Education and development

We support ongoing learning and development through culturally appropriate programs and professional development opportunities.

Our development opportunities include:

• First Nations Leadership Program
• Mentorship programs and networking opportunities
• Support for further study and professional certifications
• Access to training and development programs across clinical and non-clinical roles.

Skills, qualifications and requirements

• Requirements vary depending on the role and career pathway
• Qualifications vary depending on the role and career pathway
• Some roles require formal qualifications, such as a Certificate III in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care for Health Practitioner roles
• A strong commitment to improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health outcomes
• Ability to work in a dynamic and collaborative healthcare environment.

Gold Coast Health is committed to working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to improve health outcomes and employment opportunities for First Nations peoples.

Community and cultural connection

• Work closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
• Support culturally responsive healthcare delivery
• Contribute to programs that improve access and outcomes for First Nations people.

Join a workforce that works with community to improve health outcomes and support culturally responsive care.

Where you’ll work

• Hospitals and clinical environments
• Community health services
• Corporate and support teams.

Be part of a team supporting the health and wellbeing of First Nations community.

Explore opportunities

View current vacancies via Queensland Health Careers, join talent pools for upcoming opportunities and learn more about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health service - Jingeri jimbelung!.

Useful links