I am Sandra Mayor, a proud First Nation mother of five and grandmother of two. I am a 53-year-old Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander woman living on Thursday Island. My family bloodline runs from Stephen, Darnley, and Murray Islands in the Eastern Torres Strait all the way down to Cardwell in the South of Queensland, extending west to the Tablelands. My tribes include Ugarumleh, Sam-Sep, Meriam Peibre, Ku Ku Yalangi, Yidinji, MBarbaram, Gimuy, Djirrbal, and Girramay. As a support worker, I dedicate my life to empowering my community and ensuring no one feels forgotten or overlooked. My journey into this field wasn’t born out of mere interest; it was shaped by profound personal experiences that have driven me to make a difference.
From a young age, I faced the harsh realities of trauma and mental health. Some of my family members had severe mental health struggles, a pain that has lingered throughout my life. It ignited a passion within me to understand the complexities of mental health and to learn how to support others facing similar challenges. I realised that my family’s experiences with trauma were not unique; they were part of a larger pattern that affected many in our community.
As I navigated my own path, I became a mother to a son with special needs. His journey through the system was challenging, but it gave me invaluable knowledge about the resources available for families like ours. I felt an overwhelming desire to share this information with other Torres Strait Islanders, to empower them with the knowledge that could change their lives.
In my early days as a support worker, I encountered many who, like me, needed to be made aware of the support systems available to them. Seeing our community struggling, often providing free support to family members without recognition or compensation, saddened me. I realised this lack of awareness was a significant barrier to accessing help. My mission became clear: to ensure that our people know what resources are available and to advocate for better services that cater to our unique needs.
My journey was far from easy. As a single parent living in Townsville, I faced numerous challenges. Child safety services were at my door due to my children’s struggles with school attendance, compounded by their health issues. My son got meningococcal disease at just 18 months. It was a dark time, but it was also a turning point. Hitting rock bottom taught me resilience and the importance of seeking help. I knew I had to rise again for myself, my children, and my community.
At Wakai Waian Healing, our mission is to provide a holistic approach to care. We aim to bridge the gap between Consumers, Carers, and the NDIS system, recognising that carers are often the backbone of support. Our role is to ensure that every family benefits from our support, creating a care network that uplifts the entire community.
Cultural safety is paramount in our work at Wakai Waian Healing. It means understanding our people, speaking our language, and fostering an environment where they feel secure and valued. We are unique because we have Torres Strait Islander staff who understand our culture, struggles, and triumphs. This connection helps to break down barriers and stigma, allowing us to provide the quality of care that every Torres Strait Islander deserves. Information is power. Many in our community need to be made aware of the extensive services available to them. I’ve seen firsthand how access to culturally appropriate mental health services and essential care can transform lives. My son benefits from discounts on flights and care services that many don’t even know exist. We must spread the word and ensure our community is informed and empowered to utilise our services and support. I am committed to reaching those who are struggling with caring for loved ones with a disability. Together, we can create a support system for our families and communities to thrive. Our collective support is crucial in this journey, and I invite people to reach out to our Thursday Island staff at Wakai Waian Healing anytime to get the NDIS support and quality services they deserve. I aim to care for our people in a transformative and affirming way, where dignity and quality of care are at the centre of their journey to independence and living their best life.