Sandra Hawkins, 2019.

For the last ten years I have worked as a Palliative Care Nurse in the community of Wagga Wagga.  Previously I was a community nurse and before that as a Dental Therapist in South Australia and NSW.

I have been privileged to volunteer in small villages in Nepal as a Dental Therapist with a Rotary Program.   I have also spent time in the remote communities in Northern Territory delivering healthcare. More recently I have traveled to Cambodia on several occasion with a local charity based in Wagga. We have built two schools, educated the staff and provide ongoing support to the schools with mentoring and fundraising for school supplies and uniforms. This has been a very rewarding experience with one of the  first students commencing university this year.

My reason for volunteering for Project Hamarahi is the privilege of being able to share experiences and information that benefits both the mentors and those receiving the mentoring. Having traveled in India and other developing countries, I have gained an understanding of the sometimes difficult conditions in which people live but also the strength derived from family structures and communities.

I am looking forward to being a mentor in Project Hamrahi as I believe everybody gains when we share knowledge.