Warrain’s journey: finding purpose, stability and a new beginning 

At 63 years of age, Warrain made the courageous decision to return to work after several years away from employment.  

Through the South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) Aboriginal Traineeship Program, utilising the support of Bamara, a First Nations Specialist Apprenticeship Connect Provider, Warrain secured permanent employment at Campbelltown Hospital and became a respected role model for younger Aboriginal people in his community. His is a story of resilience, cultural leadership and a renewed sense of purpose.  

Warrain connected with Bamara in August 2024 after spending several years caring full-time for his elderly mother. Living in South Western Sydney and well known through his involvement in the Dharawal Aboriginal Men’s Group, Warrain brought extensive life and work experience to the program.  

He had previously worked as a welder, with the Department of Community Services, and in health, including six years as a cleaner at Campbelltown Hospital. He now wanted to return to purposeful work, reconnect with the health sector and create greater stability for himself and his family. Warrain was also looking for support navigating study requirements, technology and housing concerns.  

On 26 August 2024, Warrain commenced the SWSLHD Aboriginal Traineeship Program as a trainee wardsperson at Campbelltown Hospital. Together with his Bamara Apprenticeship Mentor, Mandy Edwards, a pathway plan was developed to support both his employment and training goals.  

Mandy provided regular assistance with online TAFE work and accompanied Warrain to TAFE when additional support was required. Warrain also engaged closely with the SWSLHD Aboriginal Workforce Team, who conducted regular face-to-face reviews and remained available for work-related support and guidance throughout the traineeship.  

Warrain’s strong commitment, consistency and willingness to learn never wavered. He attended regularly, achieved strong academic results and quickly became a valued member of the trainee cohort. His calm nature, cultural knowledge and life experience earned him significant respect among both staff and fellow trainees. Younger Aboriginal men in the program regularly looked to Warrain for encouragement and guidance, and he became a quiet mentor within the group.  

During the traineeship, Warrain also navigated significant personal challenges, including serious illness within his family and the passing of his wife shortly after completing the program. Despite these difficult circumstances, he remained focused on completing the traineeship and continued to engage positively with work, study and support services. Bamara also assisted Warrain with housing stability by supporting the renewal of a long-term Aboriginal housing lease.  

In August 2025, Warrain successfully completed the 12-month traineeship and transitioned into permanent employment within the Patient and Security Department at Campbelltown Hospital. The role has provided financial stability, routine and renewed confidence. Warrain now enjoys spending time and money on his grandchildren, planning holidays and continuing his contribution to the community through meaningful work. 

Warrain has become widely respected across the hospital for his professionalism, warmth and genuine care for patients. Colleagues regularly describe him as reliable, approachable and deeply committed to patient wellbeing. When asked for their impressions of him as a colleague, staff unanimously reply, “We love Wal.” His strong sense of responsibility is reflected in the care he takes with every patient interaction, including his regular habit of confirming over the radio that a patient is settled and safe after assisting them.  

Mandy has said of Warrain’s journey that it had a lasting impact on everyone around him. 

“He put his heart and soul into the traineeship. Warrain showed the younger trainees what commitment, humility and determination look like. Watching him grow in confidence and succeed in the role has been incredibly rewarding.”  

Reflecting on his experience, Warrain said the traineeship gave him confidence and pride in his future again. 

“The traineeship showed me that I could still learn, still work hard, and still help people every day. Getting this job has given me purpose, routine and pride. I’m proud that I gave it a go,”

About Australian Apprenticeship Support Services

Bamara is a First Nations Specialist Provider of Australian Apprenticeship Support Services, a free service which we deliver across New South Wales.

If you’re a First Nations apprentice/trainee or an employer, we will support you to get the most out of an Australian Apprenticeship.