Rickksha Banba Gurruwiwi

Galiwin’ku, NT

My name is Rickksha Banba Gurruwiwi. I am from Galiwinku, Elcho Island.

I am a proud mother of one son and come from a large family. I am the second youngest of eight siblings. Learning is very important to me. I have a strong interest in gaining new knowledge and skills that can support both my personal growth and my community’s wellbeing.

Research and Community Work – Walking Together Project
Through the Walking Together program, I have been deeply involved in community-based health research. My role includes conducting point-of-care health checks such as the 5-point care test, waist and weight measurements, ECGs, and collecting samples for lipid and HbA1c testing. These checks help us understand people’s health conditions and share meaningful health stories with them.

One of the strengths of this work is the way we return health results to participants in a way that makes sense to them. We support people to understand how their health affects not only themselves but their whole family, and how making healthy choices like eating well and exercising. We can have a big impact on their lives.

Previous Work Experience
Before joining the Walking Together project, I worked with Karen Sheldon Training, a mobile employment service focused on helping job seekers gain confidence and skills to return to the workforce. This work strengthened my communication and support skills, particularly when working with people in remote communities.

Education and Qualifications

Attended Shepherdson College and Shalom Christian College (completed up to Year 11)
Certificate-level training from Batchelor Institute in:
- Communication
- Work Health and Safety (WHS)
First Aid Certificate
Training in:
- Point-of-care health checks
- Understanding the number story behind health checks
- Health education and communication with participants

Why Research is Important to Me
This research, supported by the University of Melbourne, is important because of the high rates of early death in our communities. Research helps us dig deep and find the real reasons behind the health issues we face. It is founded on truth and has the power to make change. Being involved in this work means I can be part of that change – helping people understand their health and take control of their future.

Special Skills

Strong communication and people skills
Fast learner
Confident in delivering health checks and sharing health information
Able to talk to people about their health in a respectful and clear way

Future Aspirations
I am interested in pursuing further education, particularly in health and administration. I have been around clinics and hospitals most of my life, and this has motivated me to focus on health work. In the future, I hope to study for a Diploma in Administration and eventually continue with higher education in the medical field, to support my community in new ways.