This month, Wakai Waian Healing proudly celebrates Kristina House, who marks five years with the organisation.
In a sector where the work is complex, emotionally demanding and deeply relational, five years of commitment matters. It reflects trust, growth and a shared belief in the importance of culturally grounded care.
Kristina was born and raised in Rockhampton, Central Queensland, and is a proud descendant of the Dharumbal people, the Traditional Owners of the Rockhampton region. Her totem is the Buderoo (Green Tree Frog), and she is the granddaughter of respected local community Elder Ethel Speedy.
Kristina started with Wakai Waian Healing in 2020, with a Cert 3 in Business & Business Administration,and started as an administration officer. During her time with the Organisation she has completed the Cert IV in Mental Health & completed the PDSMS program.
Now working as Quality Assurance and Compliance Officer, Kristina plays a vital role behind the scenes, supporting the systems that allow culturally safe care to happen every day. Her work helps ensure Wakai Waian Healing meets and maintains accreditation across ISO9001, the National Standards for Mental Health Services, and the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Ed Mosby, Senior Psychologist and CEO, says Kristina’s contribution reflects the organisation’s values in action.
“The work Kristina does is not always visible, but it is absolutely essential,” Mosby says. “Strong systems, cultural accountability and quality care don’t happen by accident. They happen because people like Kristina take responsibility for holding that space properly.”
The role is not an easy one. Wakai Waian Healing delivers culturally grounded, trauma-informed and recovery-oriented services, with a strong focus on reconciliation and unity. Supporting this work requires care, consistency and attention to detail, particularly when working across complex clinical, cultural and regulatory environments.
Julie Mosby, Finance Officer, says Kristina brings both professionalism and heart to that responsibility.
“Kristina understands that compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes,” Julie says.
“It’s about protecting the organisation, our staff and, most importantly, the people who trust us with their care. She brings integrity and calm to work that can be demanding and high stakes.”
Throughout her time at Wakai Waian Healing, Kristina has demonstrated empathy, compassion and a steady commitment to learning. She is known for her thoughtful approach, willingness to grow and strong connection to the community.
Her journey also reflects Wakai Waian Healing’s broader approach to workforce development and sustainability.
Rather than relying on short-term recruitment or external specialists, the organisation invests in growing people from within, supporting staff to build skills over time and step into roles that strengthen both service quality and cultural governance.
Rosalyn Mann, Workforce Sustainability Lead, says Kristina’s five-year milestone shows why this approach matters.
“Retention like this doesn’t happen by chance,” Ros says. “When you support people to grow, recognise their strengths and walk with them through different stages of their career, they stay. Kristina’s journey shows what’s possible when workforce development is done with care and intention.”
Kristina’s story is one of steady growth, responsibility and commitment. It reflects what Wakai Waian Healing believes in: building long-term careers, supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, and creating systems that hold both people and practice with integrity.
As Kristina celebrates five years with Wakai Waian Healing, we acknowledge not only her qualifications and role, but the values she brings to the organisation every day.
Congratulations Kristina, and thank you for five years of dedication, care and leadership.