My name is Shanna Mosby, and I come from Masig, a beautiful island in the Torres Strait. My heritage is a rich tapestry, with my mother’s family hailing from Stephen Island, Ugar Sam-Sep, Murray Island, or Mer in the local language, and my grandmother being Aboriginal, belonging to the Girrimay and Kuku Yalanji tribes. This diverse heritage has instilled in me a deep sense of connection to various communities in Far North Queensland, a connection I am proud to share with you.
I was recently promoted to the position of Team Leader at Wakai Waian Healing on Thursday Island, a role that I transitioned into from my initial position as a cultural and community advocate. My journey began with a passion for creating a culturally safe environment that respects the customs, traditions, and beliefs of the Zenadth Kes region where I grew up. At Wakai Waian Healing, I have implemented various initiatives to ensure cultural safety, such as the 4 Anchor Program.
My journey into healing and mental health began early in life, fuelled by a deep-seated passion to help others. This passion led me to gain experience in nursing and health worker roles during my school years, and to pursue a Bachelor of Applied Health Science and a Bachelor of Nursing Sciences. This journey is a testament to my unwavering commitment to mental health and my desire to make a meaningful impact in this field.
While working with the mental health team at Queensland Health, an opportunity caught my attention. Wakai Waian Healing sought new team members, and I felt compelled to explore it further. I was interviewed by Ed Mosby, the CEO and founder of Wakai Waian Healing, and the rest is history.
Stepping into the mental health field felt like coming home. It was where I discovered my true calling and thought I could make a meaningful impact. I’ve always been a safe space for people, someone they could confide in, and I wanted to continue that support in the mental health field. One instance that stands out is when a dear friend of mine nearly lost her son to suicide, and she called me. I just listened to her crying, and that safe space created healing for her. Listening is so essential.
As a Team Leader, my responsibilities encompass various tasks, from managing staff and administration to providing counselling support. I believe in leading by example and being actively involved in all aspects of the organisation.
Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, I see myself continuing to learn and grow. I am eager to expand my knowledge and skills, knowing that it will positively impact the lives of those I serve. I am considering pursuing a Bachelor of Psychology in Neuroscience, as it will deepen my understanding of mental health and enhance my ability to help others.
Balancing work, study, and family may seem daunting to some, but I approach it with military precision. With a well-established routine at home and work, I make the most of every minute. Even dedicating just 10 minutes a day to learning adds up to significant progress over time.
My dream for Wakai Waian Healing in 2025 centres around two key aspects. Firstly, I want to see my team members upskilled and empowered to become field masters. I am committed to providing them with workshops, seminars, and training opportunities to enhance their expertise. I want them to be the go-to people in the community, shining as beacons of light for those in need. I can see Wakai Waian Healing is like a Lighthouse for our community. We are like the Lighthouse Keepers. When life presents challenges and the seas get rough for our people, we provide a safe place for them to rest, talk and heal.
Looking ahead, I dream of transforming the conversation around mental health. My vision is to destigmatise mental health issues and increase understanding and empathy in community and society. I believe that by fostering a healing journey and creating a resilient yet empathetic community, we can make a significant difference. I see Wakai Waian Healing becoming a beacon of hope, guiding individuals through life’s challenges, and helping them avoid the rocks of hardship. Together, we can build a Torres Strait that embraces mental health, supports one another, and walks this healing journey hand in hand. Afterall, our staff are all Torres Strait people. We are from here. We are a 100% Torres Strait owned Organisation, and we are proud to be based on Thursday Island. I am excited to be the Team Leader at Wakai Waian Healing. It’s an important job in our community and I welcome everyone to reach out or drop in for a yarn anytime. Finally, I want to let everyone know that we are also registered for NDIS and welcome enquires from community people. We are here to serve you and help you get the culturally safe support you need to live your best life.