Lesley-Ann Clements

Lesley grew up in urban Brisbane.  She finished school in grade 10 determined never to study again.  However, after working as an enrolled nurse for many years, Lesley realised she could achieve more by working with the wider indigeneous community.

She moved to Community Health as an Aboriginal health worker with Brisbane North and decided if she went back to study she could achieve more for the Aboriginal population.

In 1997, Lesley visited Open Day at The University of Queensland.  She was impressed by the School of Social Work and Social Policy presentation and was encourage to apply through alternate entry by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.  In her second year, Lesley applied for a cadetship with Princess Alexandria Hospital in Brisbane and became their indigenous Social Work student cadet.

"Academic life was a culture shock as I could talk but not write.  I found the beginning of student life ovewhelming due to family commitments, reduced finances and the time I had to devote to study. The support from both the School of Social Work and Social Policy and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit, assisted me to achieve my degree.  Without this assistance as a mature age student, I would not have accomplished this reward of obtaining my degree."  Lesley said.

Lesley commenced full-time employment as a Social Worker with the Social Work Department at the Princess Alexandria Hospital one week after her graduation.

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