Waiben (Thursday Island), Torres Strait

My name is Nguzu Nel Deidree Kasabad Whap ASM
Ngai Gumulaig
Nguzu Augad Dhangal
Nguzu Buai Panai
Nguzu Gub-Kuki
Nguzu ya Mabuiag
Kaima Eso Kursai Pagi-Ai-Ki
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My name is Nguzu Nel Deidree Kasabad Whap ASM.
I am from Mabuyag Isand.
My totem is the dugong.
My clan group is Panai.
My wind is the North West wind.
My language is Kala Lagaw Ya.
Thank you for listening for me.
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I was born on Thursday Island and grew up on Thursday Island and Mabuiag. Througout my childhood I always travelled back to the islands for traditional visits and cultural gatherings. I am respected as a strong elder and advisor within my own family group, and as a leader I am guided by cultural protocols. I have an extensive an distinguished career in the Queensland Ambulance Service. I am one of the longest-serving Torres Strait Islander paramedics in Australia, having served with the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) for over 30 years.
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Currently, I guide the Queensland Ambulance Service to maintain respectful cultural ways in community. I provide instruction and direction so they can navigate the community political and social environments. My skills include practical first aid, senior management and supervision, work health and safety, and training and mentorship. I maintain a wide network of community groups and am a reliable and experienced community member. I’ve been a Flinders University researcher since 2023. I carry out my research with the aim to advance health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people..
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Dowload Deidree’s CV: HERE
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Education:
  • Advanced Diploma in Emergency Medicine (Jmes cook University, 1989)
  • Cert IV Training and Assessment (Praxis, 2009)
  • Completing of multiple professional development courses (1990-2024) aligned with ongoing registration as a paramedic at Queensland Ambulance, including: basic and advanced life support, mentoring skills, competency based training
  • eGRF3 Research Study Induction training (Flinders University, 2024)
Achievements
  • First Torres Strait Island Woman to receive the Ambulance Service Medal (2012). This is a national honor instituted in 1999 to recognize distinguished service by members of Australia’s ambulance organisations.

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Conference presentations:
  • Lowitja presentation
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Posters:
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Media articles: